Puntland Accuses Somalia’s Federal Government of Fuelling Tensions with Galmudug State
Puntland has accused Somalia’s federal government of fuelling tensions with Galmudug after former Puntland security personnel reportedly crossed into Galmudug, amid growing security concerns in Galkayo.
GAROWE, Somalia (Somali Report) - Puntland has strongly criticised former members of its security forces who later joined Somalia’s federal government and have since moved into neighbouring Galmudug state, accusing them of being part of an alleged plan to create unrest in the strategic city of Galkayo.
Puntland’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, made the accusations at a news conference in Garowe, saying some of the former Puntland personnel had crossed into Galmudug after being presented as federal government forces. He alleged that the group had previously been involved in preparations for disturbances in Galkayo, a city divided between Puntland and Galmudug.
“Some of the forces that wanted to cause unrest defected to Galmudug after being described as federal forces,” Dirir said. He called on the Galmudug administration to return the personnel to Puntland, accusing it of harbouring individuals he described as criminals.
“Galmudug is expected to return them and hand over the criminals to Puntland,” the minister said, without providing evidence to substantiate the allegations. His remarks come amid heightened political and security tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government, with Galkayo emerging as a key flashpoint.
Dirir also levelled accusations against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, claiming that the federal government was seeking to drive a wedge between Puntland and Galmudug, two neighbouring administrations that have previously cooperated on issues affecting the divided city. His comments came as Hassan Sheikh was in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, with a planned visit to Galkayo expected to further raise political sensitivities. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is currently in the northern part of the city.
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Earlier this month, fighting broke out in eastern Galkayo between Puntland security forces and forces aligned with the federal government, formerly associated with the Puntland Security Force, or PSF. The clashes reportedly killed at least one civilian and members of both sides before the fighting subsided after Puntland forces took control of a camp used by the federal-aligned forces. Puntland forces also took control of the former PSF base in Bosaso, further consolidating their control over the security structures at the centre of the dispute.
Puntland has accused the federal government of sending weapons and troops to Galkayo, warning that the move could threaten the city’s security and deepen tensions between the two sides. The federal government has not publicly accepted the accusations.
The latest dispute comes as Hassan Sheikh’s visit to Galmudug is expected to continue with a trip to southern Galkayo, while Deni remains in the northern section of the divided city. The parallel presence of the two leaders in Galkayo has raised concerns that political disagreements could translate into further security tensions.
The dispute reflects broader friction between Somalia’s federal government and Puntland over political authority, security arrangements and the control of forces. With Galkayo straddling the boundary between Puntland and Galmudug, developments in the city remain particularly sensitive and could affect relations between the two administrations as Somalia prepares for further political and security changes.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.