Monday 2,June 2025 {HMC} The Puntland regional administration has officially banned the administration of the Somaliland certificate examination in the Badhan district of Sanaag region, a territory claimed by both Puntland and Somaliland.
The Governor of the Sanaag region, from the Puntland administration, announced the decision on Sunday, declaring that no part of Sanaag Bari, including Badhan, will be permitted to host exams administered by the Somaliland authorities. He warned that strict action would be taken against any individual or group attempting to facilitate the exam.
The move follows reports that Somaliland is making renewed efforts to conduct its annual certificate exams in contested areas such as Badhan, with exams set to begin on June 21. Puntland officials described the as an attempt by Somaliland to assert its presence in the region through the education sector.
Tensions escalated after members of the Puntland parliament recently visited Badhan, where they faced sharp criticism from locals. Community members expressed frustration that students in Badhan are required to take two separate exams—one from Puntland and another from Somaliland—causing confusion and potentially undermining their academic future.
The Sanaag region, which remains divided in control between Puntland, SSC-Khatumo and Somaliland, continues to be a flashpoint in the broader territorial dispute between the three administrations. Puntland reaffirmed its commitment to defending its jurisdiction and accused Somaliland of using education as a political tool to expand influence.
