Puntland has asked the UN Security Council to support inclusive political dialogue, strengthen ties with Somalia’s federal states and address security, piracy, arms and resource-management concerns.
GAROWE, Somalia (Somali Report) — Puntland state of Somalia has called on the United Nations Security Council to encourage an inclusive political process to resolve the country’s growing disputes over governance, security and elections.
In a letter dated September 13, Puntland addressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres and France’s Jérôme Bonnafont, who presides over the Security Council during September. The regional administration described the document as an initial briefing ahead of the Council’s consideration of Somalia in October.
Puntland said its relations with the federal government had deteriorated since 2023, accusing Mogadishu of intervening in matters under its administration and of backing rival local structures and armed groups operating in areas claimed by Puntland. The federal government has previously rejected accusations that it seeks to undermine the authority of the federal member states.
Security concerns formed a major part of Puntland’s submission. The administration said its forces had been fighting Islamic State militants in the Cal-Miskaad mountain range for almost two years, arguing that the campaign had received no military, financial or equipment support from the federal government. Puntland has repeatedly called for greater international assistance for its counter-insurgency operations in the region.
The letter also raised concerns over maritime security, warning that Somali piracy could re-emerge and urging the international community to strengthen cooperation with Somali authorities to protect the country’s coastline and commercial shipping. Puntland said renewed attention was needed to prevent criminal networks from exploiting insecurity at sea.
Puntland additionally referred to airstrikes reported along the Garmaal and Jiifle coastline in Nugaal region in August. It accused Turkish forces of conducting the strikes and alleged that Somali nationals were killed and fishing vessels damaged. The claims have not been independently verified, and Puntland called for greater scrutiny of military operations along Somalia’s coast.
The administration presented six requests to the Security Council. First, it urged the UN to support Somali-led negotiations aimed at resolving political disagreements, including disputes surrounding federal and regional elections.
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Second, Puntland called for stronger UN engagement with Somalia’s federal member states, particularly on security, humanitarian assistance and economic development.
Third, it asked for the restoration of the monitoring capacity of the UN Security Council’s expert mechanism dealing with weapons flows, criminal networks and links involving militant groups.
Fourth, Puntland requested a review of Somalia’s arms restrictions, warning that weapons and military equipment could potentially become entangled in domestic political confrontations.
Fifth, it urged the Security Council to extend the mandate and strengthen the role of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, known as UNTMIS. Puntland argued that the country’s continuing political and security challenges warranted a sustained international presence.
Finally, Puntland asked the Council to examine the management of Somalia’s natural resources and the transparency of government contracts and agreements. It cited concerns over contested resource arrangements and the handling of national assets.
Puntland concluded by reaffirming its stated support for a peaceful, democratic and federal Somalia. But it warned that a prolonged political standoff with Mogadishu could force the regional administration to reconsider its relationship with the federal government.
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.
