Puntland says it will refer politicians, security officials and other individuals to court over alleged threats to regional security, as tensions with Somalia’s Federal Government intensify following clashes in Galkayo.
GAROWE (Somali Report) — Puntland authorities have announced plans to refer the names of politicians, security officials and other individuals they accuse of involvement in activities threatening the region’s security to the judiciary, escalating tensions with Somalia’s Federal Government following recent clashes between Puntland forces and the Puntland Security Force (PSF).
In a statement issued following a meeting of Puntland cabinet ministers, the regional government accused several individuals of working on behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia and alleged that they had participated in what Puntland described as an attempted operation to destabilize the state.
The Puntland authorities further alleged that the operation had been organized with the involvement of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Federal Government has not publicly accepted the allegations, and the claims could not be independently verified.
The announcement comes a day after Puntland security forces carried out an operation against a PSF position in eastern Galkayo. Local reports said heavy gunfire and mortar fire were heard around the area of Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed Airport, with the Puntland government forces targeting a military facility occupied by forces aligned with the PSF. Reports indicated that civilians were among those affected, while fighters on both sides were also reportedly wounded.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni subsequently defended the operation, describing it as a security mission and accusing the Federal Government of supporting forces that Puntland believes are attempting to undermine its internal security.
Deni said Puntland forces had regained control of a military facility belonging to the regional government. He alleged that the facility had been used to move weapons, ammunition and personnel into Puntland with the aim of destabilizing the region.
The president also called on members of the PSF and other armed groups to surrender and join Puntland's official security institutions, maintaining that parallel armed forces operating under a separate authority would not be permitted inside the state.
Puntland Tightens Security Measures
In its latest statement, the Puntland cabinet instructed security agencies to prevent foreign or non-Puntland military personnel and vehicles from operating inside the region without authorization.
The authorities also ordered their security forces to intensify operations against piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing and other activities they said could threaten Puntland’s security, particularly along its coastline and territorial waters.
Puntland said legal action would be taken against anyone found to be involved in activities threatening the security of the state.
The government also warned owners and users of social media platforms against publishing what it described as false information or material intended to damage the reputation of Puntland’s institutions.
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A Long-Running Dispute Over the PSF
The latest confrontation reflects a much deeper dispute over the status and command structure of the Puntland Security Force.
The PSF was established in the early 2000s as an elite counterterrorism force and has played a prominent role in operations against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State militants in Puntland. Its relationship with the Puntland administration has, however, deteriorated over the years, particularly following political and leadership disputes involving the force.
A UN Security Council sanctions-monitoring report previously documented disagreements surrounding the leadership and chain of command of the PSF, including clashes in Bosaso in December 2021.
The PSF has rejected Puntland’s characterization of the latest confrontation, according to reports cited in the material surrounding the clashes. Its representatives have argued that the force falls under Somalia’s federal security structure and that national defense responsibilities belong to the Federal Government.
Puntland disputes that interpretation and maintains that security forces operating within its territory must be under the authority of the Puntland administration.
Puntland and Mogadishu Relations
The confrontation is unfolding against the backdrop of years of political tension between Puntland and Mogadishu.
Puntland announced in March 2024 that it was withdrawing recognition and confidence from Federal Government institutions until a comprehensive constitutional framework was negotiated and agreed upon. The United Nations has documented the dispute, noting Puntland’s position that it would exercise the powers of an independent state pending completion of a federal constitutional process.
The two sides have also disagreed over constitutional reform, the distribution of security responsibilities and the broader structure of Somalia’s federal system.
Puntland has repeatedly accused the Federal Government of interfering in its internal affairs, while Mogadishu has maintained that national institutions have constitutional responsibilities extending across Somalia.
The latest accusations from Garowe could therefore further deepen an already fragile relationship between the regional and federal authorities.
About the Author
Bashir Guhad is a reporter at Somali Report covering politics, security, business, and trade across the Somali region.
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