Puntland has formally requested the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the escalating political dispute between Puntland and Somalia's federal government. In a letter dated September 13, Puntland called for an inclusive national dialogue, direct international security assistance, and the restoration of restrictions on weapons supplied to the country. The regional government warned that the ongoing tensions could undermine counterterrorism operations and further destabilize Somalia. This request comes ahead of a Security Council meeting on Somalia expected in October.
The dispute between Puntland and Somalia's federal government centers on constitutional changes, elections, and the division of powers. Puntland maintains that the constitutional mandates of the federal parliament and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expired in April and May, respectively. The regional government has asked the Security Council to support talks on a transitional electoral roadmap. President Mohamud has rejected claims that his term has expired, citing constitutional changes that extended the mandate of federal institutions to five years.
Puntland accused Somalia's federal government of supporting rival authorities, armed groups, and political actors within its administration since 2023. The regional government alleged that these actions aimed to weaken Puntland and limit its influence in negotiations over Somalia's federal system. There was no immediate public response from Somalia's federal government to the letter. The accusations have raised concerns about the potential for further conflict and instability in the region.
Puntland has requested that the Security Council reconsider the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia. The regional government argued that the country lacks an agreed national arms-control framework and warned that advanced weapons could be diverted into domestic political disputes or fall into the hands of militant groups. The Security Council lifted the decades-old general arms embargo on Somalia's federal government in December 2023, but restrictions remain in place against al-Shabab and designated individuals and entities.
The letter cited recent clashes in Galkayo and allegations of drone strikes as evidence of federal interference in Puntland's security affairs. Puntland alleged that weapons and equipment were flown into the Galmudug-controlled section of southern Galkayo, leading to fighting that resulted in its forces taking control of a camp and seizing weapons and equipment. The regional government also raised concerns over the use of aerial weapons in domestic disputes, citing a drone strike on a former senior security official's home.
Puntland accused Turkish forces of conducting airstrikes along its coast, killing 14 Somali nationals and destroying fishing boats. The allegations have not been independently verified. The regional government warned that its dispute with Mogadishu is diverting forces from security operations against the Islamic State group and piracy. Puntland called for renewed international naval cooperation with its maritime and land security forces to address the growing threat of piracy.
Puntland has asked international donors to provide security, humanitarian, and economic assistance directly to the regional administration rather than channeling all support through Mogadishu. The regional government also requested that the Security Council extend the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia beyond its scheduled closure. Puntland warned of growing public frustration with Somalia's federal project, citing pressure from residents who favor full independence from Mogadishu.
Key points
- Puntland requests UN Security Council intervention in Somalia's political dispute
- Dispute centers on constitutional changes, elections, and division of powers
- Puntland warns of growing public frustration with Somalia's federal project
