Africa-Press. The Puntland government has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of continuing what it described as “hostile actions” and seeking to escalate security tensions, following his anticipated visit to the southern part of Galkayo, which is under the administration of Galmudug.
Puntland announced an increase in the readiness of its security and military forces, warning that any actions that could affect the security situation in the city or surrounding areas would be treated as developments requiring a security response.
Puntland authorities urged the Galmudug government and local residents not to get drawn into what they termed political wrangling, calling on all parties to avoid any steps that could increase tensions between the two administrations. They held the federal government responsible for any potential security repercussions that might arise from the visit or related developments.
These statements come in the wake of rising tensions between Puntland and the federal government in Mogadishu, particularly after clashes occurred in Galkayo in early August, when confrontations broke out between Puntland forces and those affiliated with the federal government, resulting in Puntland forces taking control of military positions previously held by pro-central government forces.
Galkayo is one of the most sensitive areas in the relations between Puntland and Galmudug, as the city is administratively divided between the two sides, making any military or political movement there susceptible to broader security repercussions.
The city has previously witnessed confrontations linked to political disputes and local conflicts, making the maintenance of security arrangements there a highly sensitive issue.
In contrast, the Galmudug government rejected the concerns raised by Puntland regarding the Somali president’s visit, affirming that the visit is part of official activities within the state.
The broader dispute between Mogadishu and Garowe relates to issues concerning the distribution of powers between the federal government and the states, the management of security affairs, and the future of the political process in the country. Puntland has taken a more hardline stance towards the federal government in recent months amid ongoing disagreements over governance arrangements, elections, and state-building.
Observers fear that continued tensions between the federal government forces and Puntland forces could lead to increased fragility in the security situation in Galkayo, especially given the administrative division of the city and the presence of multiple security forces.
These developments come at a time when the Somali government is seeking to strengthen its political and security influence in the federal states, while Puntland insists on its regional powers and rejects what it sees as interference from Mogadishu in its internal affairs, complicating the political and security landscape in the country.
