Puntland warns over Somalia federal military moves in Galkayo after Bosaso clashes

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Authorities in northeastern Somalia’s Puntland state on Saturday said they were closely monitoring what they described as military maneuvers by Somalia’s federal government in the central town of Galkayo, warning that the developments could threaten regional stability and Puntland’s governing institutions.

Puntland authorities accused the federal government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of attempting to use military and political pressure to weaken Puntland’s governance system, saying the movements around Galkayo risk provoking a confrontation between the two sides.

In a statement, Puntland authorities clarified that no force known as the Puntland Security Force (PSF) is legally recognized as part of Puntland’s official defense structure, adding that the unit currently operating under that name in Puntland is not registered under the authority of the federal government either.

Puntland also sent a message to neighboring Galmudug state and the international community, urging Galmudug authorities not to allow its territory, airports, or other facilities to be used for the movement of weapons and forces that could be directed against Puntland.

The Puntland administration emphasized its longstanding relationship with Galmudug communities, highlighting years of neighborly relations, security cooperation, and peaceful coexistence between the two regions.

The authorities further called on Puntland residents to remain vigilant and protect the security and stability of their state.

The warning comes amid increasing reports that the federal government has expanded its support for allied political and security figures in Galkayo, a strategically important town divided between Puntland and Galmudug, raising fears that the escalating rivalry could develop into direct armed confrontation.

Observers say the growing military buildup could trigger a rapid escalation between Puntland forces and federal government-aligned forces, with Mogadishu allegedly seeking to strengthen its influence over several Puntland areas, including Galkayo.

The latest tensions follow a major confrontation near Bosaso last week, where Puntland forces said they seized 13 military vehicles from PSF units aligned with the federal government following clashes in the Laag area, about 30km north of the commercial port city.

Puntland authorities also said they captured 30 members of the force during the fighting, marking the first direct armed confrontation between the two sides since tensions intensified in recent months.

The dispute reflects a widening political and security rift between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government, with disagreements spanning control over security forces, the scope of federal authority, and competing political influence within Puntland.

Meanwhile, some local media outlets have reported that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently held meetings with influential Puntland politicians and security figures who command forces in the region and maintain strong local influence.

According to those reports, the president urged the figures to unite their position against Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni, allegedly offering federal support, including resources and security assistance, while warning that failure to act could lead him to align with Deni instead.

The reports have not been independently verified.

The developments come as Somalia continues to face heightened political tensions between the federal government and some federal member states, with concerns that disputes over power, security structures, and political influence could further destabilize relations between Mogadishu and regional administrations.

Puntland, established in 1998 as a semi-autonomous federal member state, has frequently clashed politically with successive federal governments over constitutional authority, resource-sharing, security arrangements, and the balance of power between Mogadishu and regional states.

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