GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER) - Puntland state in northeastern Somalia has hinted secession, declaring it does not recognize the Lower House resolution, which extended the term of president Mohamed Farmaajo for two more years.
The president of Puntland state, Saed Abdullahi Deni said the only viable option for Somalia is a resumption of dialogue based on the September 17 agreement.

"The Government of Puntland State of Somalia declares that the agreement of 17 September 2020 is the only agreement reached to hold the Federal Elections, and to address the impediments to the implementation of the agreement in order to achieve a fair election acceptable to all,” the statement read in part.


The regional state opposed the extension of Farmaajo’s stay in office.

"The Puntland Government of Somalia does not recognize the illegitimate actions of the Federal Parliament, which has extended its term, calling for the election law and the extension of the term of the Federal Institutions of the Federal Government of Somalia,” the statement noted.

The decision comes barely a week after Puntland voted overwhelmingly to reject president Farmajo’s move to extend his term by two more years.

Out of 52 lawmakers present 49 voted to reject the president's new mandate as illegal, with one member voting against the motion and two abstaining.

The extension drew condemnation at home and abroad after Farmajo signed an extension of his mandate into law.