Puntland (Somali: Taariikhda Buntilaan), (Arabic: تاريخ أرض البنط), (Spanish: Historia de Puntlandia), officially the Puntland State of Somalia (Somali: Dowladda Buntilaan ee Soomaaliya), Arabic: ولاية أرض البنط الصومالية), is a Federal Member State in northeastern Somalia.
Geographically to the west, Puntland lays claim to the intra-46th meridian territories that were outside European colonial rule during parts of the Scramble for Africa period.
These records indicate the existence of a trading partner known as Land of Punt, which is believed to have inspired the naming of the present-day region of Puntland.
Mohammed Ali Sireh had previously entered into a treaty with the British to establish a protectorate but later chose to join Sayyid Muhammad's rebellion.
Notably, members of the Harti clan were appointed to key positions within the government, including the election of Somalia's inaugural and subsequent prime ministers, as well as the second president.
Subsequently, in 1981, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, a prominent figure among the surviving Majeerteen members, established the Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF), a paramilitary rebel group.
In the wake of the eruption of the Somali Civil War in 1991, a locally initiated constitutional conference took place in Garowe in 1998, spanning a three-month period.
This conference brought together prominent figures in the region's political sphere, traditional elders (Issims), members of the business community, intrapreneurs, and representatives from civil society.
The objective was to establish the autonomous Puntland State of Somalia, with the aim of providing essential services to the population, ensuring security, facilitating trade, and engaging with both domestic and international partners.
Puntland was established as a descendant-based entity, with its formation rooted in the concept of providing a "homeland" for the Harti community residing in northern Somalia.
In November 2001, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, the first president of Puntland, was forcibly removed from the capital by the opposition after he refused to leave office despite his term expiring.
In 2003, Mohamud Muse Hersi Adde, a former Lieutenant general, organized a militia group consisting primarily of members from the Osman Mohamoud sub-clan of Majeerteen.
In response to the escalating conflict, traditional elders from Puntland intervened and facilitated a peace agreement between General Adde Muse and Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.
The peace agreement, signed in May 2003, led to a collaboration between the two leaders, with their forces combining and power being shared between them, Ahmed then regained the presidency and served his second term from 2003, until October 14, 2004.
Yusuf fought back with the support of the SRRC and neighboring Ethiopia, and by the end of November 2001 had almost retaken Garowe, the capital of Puntland, and by May 2002 was in full control.
Despite the official denial by the Puntland government of any association with pirates, it is worth noting that the financing required for presidential elections involved substantial sums of money.
It is worth noting that during this time, the Horn of Africa region experienced a significant influx of funds derived from piracy activities, which had a notable impact on the local economic dynamics.
The objective was to maintain a clear distinction between the governance methodologies of Puntland and the Union of Courts, thereby avoiding the issue becoming solely a religious matter.
During his visit, President Adde held a meeting with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who was then the Crown Prince of Ras al-Khaimah.
In July 2007, the Warsangali, a sub-clan of the Harti branch within the Kablalah Darod, declared their independence under the name "Makhir" in a specific area of western Puntland.
[10][11] In the following January, Adde Muse declared his intention to retake Las Anod, emphasizing Puntland's resolve to reclaim control over the city.
In August 2008, Abdullahi Ahmed Jama, also known as Ilka-Jiir, a brigadier general hailing from the Warsangali clan, returned from Maakhir State and declared his candidacy for the presidency of Puntland.
Due to the intensifying attacks by Somaliland separatists on the SSC (Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn) regions, Ilka-Jiir made the decision to return to Puntland in 2009.
Recognizing the security challenges faced by these regions, he believed it was crucial to be actively present in Puntland to address the ongoing issues and provide support to the affected communities.
In October 2008, Adde Muse signed a contract with the Lootah Group, a United Arab Emirates company, to build an airport, port, and highway for 170 million UAE dirhams (about $5 billion).
Farole, who holds a Ph.D. in history from La Trobe University in Australia, had previously served as the finance minister in the government under President Adde.
For example, the conflict in the Igdhays valley in the Bali area resulted in 30 deaths and many injuries, but a peace agreement was reached on October 22, 2009, with the intervention of the Puntland government.
Gaas, who had previously served as Somalia's prime minister and holds a Ph.D. in economics, was anticipated to bring about positive developments and improvements in Puntland.
President Gaas responded to the concerns and, during a visit to Toronto, Canada, in March, he announced that he would not endorse the 4.5 formula, even if UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon supported it.
There are reports of alleged interference from Villa Somalia, aiming to punish President Deni for supporting Ahmed Madobe, the leader of Jubaland.