Puntland has suspended all operations of Horn of Africa Consultants Firm, accusing the group of violating regional NGO laws.
The planning ministry said the decision followed complaints about HACOF’s activities, including data collection that allegedly broke Puntland’s statistical rules and regulations.
Puntland’s labor ministry and the mayor of Carmo district both reported concerns, urging a temporary halt and review of the firm’s work.
Officials asked the Auditor General to conduct a full investigation into HACOF’s conduct, to confirm allegations of unauthorized operations and improper data gathering.
HACOF previously carried out projects for Somalia’s federal government and the U.N. World Food Program, including surveys for the Baxnaano welfare program.
The suspension comes amid mounting political tensions between Puntland and the federal government, after Mogadishu voiced support for the new SSC administration.
