The federal member states: how each was formed

How the states came about

The idea of a federal Somalia appears in every major peace text from Cairo in 1997 onward. The 2004 Mbagathi conference adopted it, and Article 1 of the 2012 constitution says "Somalia is a federal state" (Heritage Institute). Critics have called federalism divisive.

Puntland came first. On 5 May 1998 a conference of elders in Garowe declared it, as a "building block" toward a united Somalia. In its first years it built a parliament, a tax system, courts and independent media (Crisis Group, 2009). The other states were formed after 2012, through conferences backed by the federal government and its partners (Heritage Institute, Nov 2025).

Each state in November 2026

• Puntland (1998). Leader: Said Abdullahi Deni. It has not recognised the federal government since 31 March 2024, and says federal mandates have ended. Its forces and federal forces clashed at Galkayo in August 2026 (Al Jazeera).
• Jubaland (2013). Leader: Ahmed Madobe, in a third term since November 2024, which the federal government disputes. It suspended cooperation in January 2025, and talks have run since October 2025 (Heritage Institute, 2025).
• South West. Leader: Adan Madoobe, since 11 June 2026, with federal backing. The former leader's side still holds towns in Bay, and fighting continues (Kaab TV).
• Galmudug (2015). Leader: Liban Ahmed Hassan, elected 22 October 2026. Works with the federal government (Dawan Africa).
• Hirshabelle (2016). Leader: Ali Gudlawe Hussein, re-elected 24 October 2026. Works with the federal government (Horseed Media).
• North Eastern State. Formed as an interim administration in 2023 and recognised as a member state in April 2025. Leader: Abdikadir Firdhiye. Works with the federal government. Somaliland opposes it, and it overlaps with Puntland's claims in Sanaag (The EastAfrican).
• Banadir. Not a member state; its final status is still to be decided. Its leader is appointed, and a local council was elected in December 2025 (Radio Dalsan).

Sources differ

Sources give different founding dates for South West State, and the federal government and Jubaland disagree on whether Jubaland's current mandate is valid.

What it means for people

Smaller communities in several states say they are left out of power (Heritage Institute, Nov 2025). Where the states and the centre do not work together, people can face two sets of rules for papers, taxes and aid.