The regional administration of Puntland has imposed strict restrictions on the Somali federal government, further intensifying the tension between the two entities. The disagreement between the federal government based in Mogadishu and Puntland has been worsening, leading regional officials to announce new security measures aimed at controlling any activity the federal government conducts within the region.
This decision, made public by the Puntland Ministry of Security on Wednesday, prohibits federal government officials from entering the region. Furthermore, strict controls have been placed on the movement of militias backed by politicians aligned with Mogadishu. The regional government, for its part, has warned that no weapons will be allowed into Puntland and that any entities engaged in such activities will be held accountable.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Security, the Puntland administration strictly banned the federal government from recruiting youth or organizing militias from within the region. Regional officials stated that individuals who violate this order will face legal consequences. Similarly, it has been ordered that vehicles used by militias allied with the federal government are not to circulate within the region’s territory.
The regional administration’s measures go even further. Individuals holding security responsibilities or official positions within the federal government are barred from entering any part of the region through its borders or airports if they are deemed to be attempting to create instability in Puntland. This is seen as a strategic move to curtail the federal government’s influence within the region.
On the other hand, the Puntland administration has also taken action against piracy. It was stated that any entity participating in piracy will be brought to justice, and security forces have been authorized to apprehend suspects and seize weapons used for such crimes. Additionally, political meetings believed to be detrimental to the region’s security have been prohibited, with organizers and participants warned that they will be held accountable under the law.
Another area of concern addressed by the Puntland administration is aerial activity. It has warned the federal government against airlifting “illegal weapons” into the region’s airports. In a message sent to aircraft operators, the regional government stated that they would bear sole responsibility for any damage incurred while transporting illegal weapons.
All of these decisions come following the deployment of a large number of troops across major cities and security checkpoints in Puntland in recent days. This military movement was reportedly aimed at preventing forces allied with the federal government from moving within the region.
Political analysts note that these recent security measures and the exchange of confrontational rhetoric indicate that the relationship between Puntland and the Somali federal government has reached a dangerous level. The military preparations of both sides and the lack of consensus have raised concerns that the tension in the region could escalate into armed conflict. This highlights the deepening political divide between the two sides and signals a negative impact on the current security situation in Somalia.
