Democracy in Retreat: The Hollowing Out of Puntland’s Institutions and the Rule of Law

By Mohamed A Yasin

Puntland was once celebrated as one of Somalia’s most successful political experiments. Established in 1998 amid the collapse of the Somali state, it earned a reputation for relative stability, grassroots governance, and institutional development. While much of the country struggled with conflict and political fragmentation, Puntland presented itself as a model of constitutional order and democratic aspiration.

Today, however, many residents fear that legacy is being steadily dismantled. Since President Said Abdullahi Deni secured a second term in office, concerns over governance, accountability, and the concentration of power have intensified. Puntland’s democratic institutions have weakened dramatically, leaving the region increasingly dependent on presidential authority rather than constitutional checks and balances.

The most visible casualty has been the Puntland Parliament. The Puntland House of Representatives was designed to serve as the primary institution responsible for overseeing government actions, scrutinizing public spending, and holding the executive branch accountable. Yet in recent years, lawmakers have largely remained silent while major political and administrative decisions have been made without debate or public scrutiny.