Abstract
Post-conflict societies face the challenge of rebuilding institutions and restoring public trust in contexts defined by overlapping risks that overwhelm state capacity. This article draws on the Puntland experience in Somalia to show how fragile institutions can transition toward resilience. Reforms in environmental governance and electoral management demonstrate the effectiveness of six interlinked pillars: legal foundations, systems development, merit-based recruitment, resource mobilization, inclusivity, and adaptive management. These measures enabled Puntland to pioneer environmental policies and conduct the first direct local elections in 50 years. The case highlights that resilience in fragile federal contexts depends less on imported models and more on sequenced reforms, institutional credibility, and locally owned processes. Lessons from Puntland provide practical strategies for Somalia’s federal project and other post-conflict states.