Discover the unusual case of Puntland, a Somalian breakaway territory that hit the headlines thanks to none other than Donald Trump (who else?).
The world is filled with contested borders, breakaway states and geopolitical oddities. For those of you intrigued by international politics, you’ll be happy to hear that this week – in my geopolitical travel column – I’m turning my attention to Puntland, a little-known semi-autonomous region in Somalia that’s been thrust into the spotlight—thanks, in part, to a certain Mr Donald Trump.
Despite hardly being a name featuring prominently in geopolitical discussions, Puntland challenges conventional ideas of statehood. Unlike its neighbour Somaliland, which has long sought recognition as an independent state, Puntland exists in a more ambiguous space—formally a part of Somalia but operating with near-complete autonomy.
The region has functioned as a self-governing entity for decades, and recent political manoeuvres suggest that it may be on the path to de facto independence. But what exactly is Puntland, and how did it become embroiled in discussions about global displacement, Gaza, and Trump’s latest foreign policy musings? Let’s unpack this geopolitical oddity.
Table of Contents
Puntland: A Nation in All But Name?
Somalia has been in turmoil for decades. The collapse of the central government in 1991 led to the fragmentation of the country into various clan-based territories. Somaliland declared full independence that year, though it has never been internationally recognised. Puntland, by contrast, took a different route. In 1998, Puntland declared itself an autonomous state within a federated Somalia, rather than pursuing full sovereignty.
Unlike the chaotic governance of much of southern Somalia, Puntland has managed to maintain relative stability. It has its own government, a functioning legislature, and even a military force. Its autonomy was originally conceived as a pragmatic response to the anarchy engulfing Somalia in the 1990s, allowing it to provide governance and security while avoiding the clan-based conflicts that plagued the rest of the country. The BBC has described Puntland’s status as a political necessity, designed to insulate the region from the violence that devastated Mogadishu and beyond.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Puntland has once again asserted its independence. With Somalia gripped by a constitutional crisis, Puntland’s council of ministers made a bold declaration: the region would act independently until a federal government, formed through a nationwide referendum, could be established. This was, in effect, a declaration of de facto independence, even if the region stopped short of formally seceding or gaining international recognition.
Read more: The Countries That Don’t Exist
The Ancient Roots of Puntland
The name ‘Puntland’ is not a modern invention. Historians and archaeologists believe that it traces back thousands of years to the Ancient Egyptian records of a mysterious kingdom known as the ‘Land of Punt.’
This ancient trading hub was famed for its wealth and resources, and scholars suggest that it was located somewhere in present-day Somalia, Eritrea, or Djibouti. While Puntland’s modern incarnation does not claim direct lineage from this ancient realm, the historical continuity provides an intriguing backdrop to its current status.
During the colonial era, Puntland fell under Italian rule before becoming part of independent Somalia in 1960. Like much of Africa, its modern borders were shaped more by colonial arrangements than by historical or cultural divisions.
When Somalia disintegrated in the 1990s, Puntland’s decision to remain nominally within Somalia while governing itself was a reflection of its desire for order amidst the chaos.
Read more: How Many Countries Are in Africa? Everything You Need to Know.
Trump, Gaza, and Puntland’s Unwanted Attention
Until recently, Puntland rarely made headlines outside of regional African affairs. However, in early 2024, it suddenly found itself at the centre of an international controversy. The Telegraph reported how former US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Palestinians displaced from Gaza could be relocated to Morocco, Somaliland, and Puntland. The proposal, which was met with widespread condemnation, highlighted both the precarious status of these regions and the callousness of Trump’s approach to international displacement.
Trump’s plan ignored basic political and humanitarian realities. Puntland, already struggling with its own conflicts—including ongoing battles against Islamist militant groups—was hardly in a position to host a large influx of refugees. Moreover, the suggestion was made without consulting Puntland’s leadership, prompting a swift rebuke. Mohamed Mubarak, head of Puntland’s security coordination office, dismissed the proposal outright, stating that Puntland had not been informed, consulted, or presented with any such plan, as reported by Daily News Egypt.
The Somali federal government’s silence on the matter was particularly revealing. It suggested an implicit recognition of Puntland’s independent decision-making, even if Mogadishu officially claims Puntland as part of Somalia. Somaliland, likewise, rejected the idea, reinforcing the reality that both breakaway regions function autonomously, even in the absence of international recognition.
The Future of Puntland: Stability or Conflict?
Despite its relative stability, Puntland is not free from conflict. Territorial disputes with Somaliland have occasionally erupted into violence, while jihadist groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS have attempted to gain footholds in the region.
In February 2025, Voice of America reported that hundreds of people were killed in clashes between Puntland’s military forces and ISIS fighters—a stark reminder that security remains fragile.
Yet, Puntland’s resilience in maintaining order and governance raises broader questions about statehood in the 21st century. What defines a nation? Is it international recognition, or is it the ability to govern effectively?
Puntland has a government, an army, a flag, and a functioning political system, but it remains unrecognised as an independent entity. Its situation mirrors that of other breakaway states, from Taiwan to Transnistria, where political realities often diverge from diplomatic formalities.
Read more: How Many Countries Are in East Africa? Everything You Need to Know.
Puntland’s Uncertain Path
Puntland’s journey from an ancient trading hub to a modern autonomous region encapsulates the complexities of African geopolitics. It has managed to carve out a relatively stable existence in a volatile part of the world, yet it remains in political limbo.
While its leaders navigate their own internal challenges, the region is now facing external pressures it never sought, thanks to reckless geopolitical posturing.
Ultimately, Puntland’s fate will be determined not by outside actors but by its own people. Whether it seeks full independence or remains within a fractured Somalia, its future hinges on its ability to sustain governance, security, and economic stability.
As global attention turns to the Horn of Africa, Puntland’s story serves as a stark reminder that in international politics, the lines between autonomy, independence, and recognition are often blurred.
There we have it, the strange case of Puntland! Would you visit this breakaway African state? Let me know in the comments below!
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