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Two federal ministers from Puntland have stepped down from their positions in protest after Somalia’s parliament approved major constitutional amendments on Wednesday. Their resignations have added new strain to the already tense relationship between the federal government in Mogadishu and some regional leaders.
Aynaashe Yusuf Hussein, the state minister for labor and social affairs, and Ismail Buraale, the state minister for petroleum and minerals, both represented constituencies in Puntland as members of the House of the People. They announced their decisions shortly after lawmakers voted to adopt the revised constitution.
In a public statement, Aynaashe said he could not support what he described as an attempt to centralize power in Mogadishu. He accused the federal leadership of pushing changes that could weaken Somalia’s federal system and undermine the balance of power between the central government and the states. According to him, the people of Puntland elected him to defend their interests, and he could not remain in office if he believed those interests were being threatened.
He also claimed that some lawmakers from Puntland had faced obstacles in carrying out their duties. He alleged that they were blocked from traveling back to their constituencies and were prevented from fully participating in the constitutional process. He described this as a violation of their rights as elected representatives.
Ismail Buraale shared similar concerns. He said he opposed what he called a one-sided constitutional process that did not involve broad national consultation. In his view, major changes to the country’s supreme law should only be made through wide agreement among political stakeholders, including regional administrations and opposition groups. He argued that passing such amendments during a session boycotted by some lawmakers raises questions about the legitimacy of the process.
So far, neither the presidency nor the prime minister’s office has publicly responded to the resignations.
The controversy comes after Somalia’s bicameral federal parliament approved the revised constitution in a joint session. A total of 223 lawmakers voted in favor of the amendments, including 186 members of the House of the People and 37 senators from the Upper House. The vote formally replaces the provisional constitution that had been in place since 2012, when Somalia emerged from a long transitional period.
Government officials have praised the new constitution as a major step forward for the country. They say it strengthens state institutions and clearly defines how power should be shared between the federal government and regional states. According to supporters, the changes are necessary to move Somalia toward a more stable and effective system of governance.
However, critics argue that the process did not build enough political consensus. Some opposition leaders and regional authorities believe that pushing through the amendments without full agreement could deepen divisions at a time when unity is crucial. They warn that disagreements over federalism and power-sharing could create further instability if not handled carefully.
The resignations of the two ministers highlight the growing political rift as Somalia prepares for important electoral milestones. The debate over how the country should be governed — and how much authority should rest with the federal government versus regional states — remains one of the most sensitive issues in Somali politics.
As discussions continue, the situation reflects the broader challenge Somalia faces in balancing national unity with regional autonomy. Whether the new constitutional changes will bring clarity and stability, or fuel further tensions, is likely to shape the country’s political path in the months ahead.