Somalia’s federal government has ignited fresh political tensions by establishing a new “North-East State,” carved from territories claimed by the self-governing regions of Somaliland and Puntland. The interior ministry, which announced the decision, also revealed it is working on the selection of lawmakers as well as the election of a regional leader. Both Somaliland and Puntland swiftly condemned the move as a destabilizing, divisive tactic, warning it could plunge Somalia into renewed conflict. Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but lacks international recognition, recently offered the US military access and mineral rights in exchange for recognition. Meanwhile, Puntland, which declared autonomy in 1998, continues to resist full federal integration but stops short of declaring secession.
Bloomberg
