Former Somali premier warns Puntland against military escalation in Galkayo
Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke warned Puntland against military escalation in Galkayo, saying renewed conflict could destabilize Mudug region and weaken operations against militant groups.
Galkacyo (HOL) — Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has warned Puntland authorities against military escalation in Galkayo, saying renewed conflict in the divided Mudug region city could trigger instability, displacement and weaken the fight against militant groups.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Sharmarke criticized military movements by Puntland forces in Galkayo and urged regional leaders to avoid an unnecessary confrontation with other Puntland-linked forces.
“Galkacyo is not Almiskad,” Sharmarke wrote, referring to the mountainous area where Puntland forces have conducted operations against Islamic State-linked militants. “Puntland State authority must refrain itself from waging a war of aggression against fellow Puntland Forces without any legal justifications.”
He said diverting weapons, troops and resources toward a looming conflict in Galkayo would drain the human and material capacity needed for counterterrorism operations.
“The amount of weaponry that has been directed towards this looming conflict in Galkacyo city will definitely drain human and material capital needed for the war on terror,” he said.
Sharmarke warned that fighting in Galkayo could have serious consequences, including regional instability, a humanitarian crisis and the risk of drawing other forces into the confrontation.
“State figures, traditional leaders and religious scholars must stand to prevent such unnecessary conflict before it happens,” he said.
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Galkayo, one of central Somalia’s most sensitive cities, is divided between Puntland in the north and Galmudug in the south. The city has repeatedly been affected by political disputes, clan tensions and armed confrontations, making any military movement there a source of wider concern.
Sharmarke called on federal officials, traditional elders and religious scholars to take a more active role in preventing escalation. He said dialogue and consensus, not military force, should be used to resolve political and security disputes.
His warning came after Puntland earlier this week cautioned Galmudug against allowing military equipment and troops to pass through its territory toward Puntland-administered areas. Puntland described the alleged movements as a threat to its security.
Galmudug rejected suggestions that it was preparing for war in Galkayo and said it supported resolving Puntland’s internal disputes through dialogue. Galmudug also urged that Galkayo not be used as a venue for settling political or military disputes.
The rising tension has sparked concern among politicians, elders, intellectuals and civil society groups, who have urged all sides to avoid confrontation and prioritize mediation.
Somalia is already facing pressure from al-Shabab in southern and central regions, while Puntland has been conducting operations against Islamic State-linked militants in the Calmiskaat mountains. Analysts warn that internal disputes among regional forces could divert attention and resources from those security threats.
It was not immediately clear whether mediation efforts were underway or whether Puntland planned to scale back its military movements in Galkayo.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.