By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Puntland (Dawan Africa) — Puntland State has warned SOMTURK and other foreign firms not to operate in its waters or territory, particularly in fisheries, coastguard operations and blue economy investment, without authorization from Puntland authorities.
A statement issued by the Puntland Government said Puntland has constitutional authority to manage, protect and benefit from its land and marine resources.
The warning specifically mentioned SOMTURK, which Puntland said cannot operate in its waters without its permission. The statement argued that federal government institutions do not have the legal authority to issue licenses or enter into investment agreements covering land and sea areas that fall under Puntland administration.
SOMTURK is a company linked to the management and licensing of fishing activities in Somali waters. It was established to strengthen fisheries production and management, protect the marine environment and combat illegal fishing. The federal government has also said the company is part of a plan to develop Somalia’s blue economy and increase revenue from marine resources.
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On the Turkish side, OYAK said it signed a strategic agreement with Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and established SOMTURK in Somalia on December 11, 2025, to support the management of fishing licenses in Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
OYAK also said the agreement would give Turkish fishing businesses an opportunity to access Somali waters.
Puntland views the matter as one that affects the administrative authority of federal member states, particularly over marine resources, fisheries and coastal investment. In its statement, Puntland argued that the sharing and management of national resources is an issue that requires negotiations between the federal government and federal member states, rather than a decision made by the central government alone.
The SOMTURK dispute comes at a time when relations between Puntland and the federal government are already tense. Puntland previously announced that it had suspended cooperation with the central government, while the President recently accused the Puntland administration of cutting off all cooperation and relations between the two sides.