MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The semi-autonomous Puntland state in Somalia has strongly opposed a new federal government decision requiring an Electronic Cargo Tracking Number (ECTN) for all shipments entering or leaving the country, including from ports beyond Mogadishu’s control.
Puntland authorities say the move, spearheaded by Somalia’s Minister of Ports, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, is backed by Turkish interests, though the federal government has not commented on these allegations. The ECTN, intended to regulate and monitor cargo shipments, would also cover livestock exports and shipments from Puntland ports such as Bosaso and Gara’ad.
Puntland Minister of Information Mohamud Adid Dirir on Wednesday described the decision as an attempt by the federal government to generate revenue from regions outside its jurisdiction. The measure has intensified tensions between Mogadishu and Puntland, which has long resisted federal encroachment on its economic activities.
The introduction of the ECTN comes amid a broader dispute between Somalia’s federal government and its regional administrations over digital systems, including the controversial electronic visa (eVisa) program. Puntland and Somaliland have criticized the eVisa system, which has caused travel disruptions, and cybersecurity issues have further undermined public trust. Recent reports indicate that the eVisa portal has been breached multiple times, exposing personal data of more than 35,000 individuals, including foreign nationals from the United States and Europe.
Somalia’s federal authorities have argued that the ECTN is intended to streamline international trade and secure revenue from shipping insurance and global cargo monitoring systems. However, both Puntland and Somaliland have rejected the plan, maintaining that the federal government has no authority to impose such measures on ports outside its control.
The dispute highlights ongoing challenges in Somalia’s federal system, where tensions between central authorities and regional administrations continue to affect trade, governance, and public trust in digital infrastructure. Analysts say the ECTN controversy could further strain relations between Mogadishu and semi-autonomous states, complicating efforts to stabilize the nation’s fragile economy.
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