Garowe (WDN) – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is expected to hold high-level consultations today with traditional elders and influential community leaders from the Nugaal region, as efforts intensify to ease growing security concerns in the regional capital, Garoowe, and across Puntland. The discussions are focused on preventing any outbreak of violence in the city, amid heightened sensitivity surrounding the presence of armed units stationed in and around Garoowe.

According to sources familiar with the talks, both sides are expected to issue mutual assurances aimed at preserving calm. Traditional elders and community leaders are expected to commit that no actions will be taken that could undermine security or provoke confrontation involving forces stationed at the Ligle military base, reportedly under the command of General Jimcaale.

In parallel, President Deni is also expected to reaffirm that Puntland forces will not undertake any offensive or destabilizing operations targeting troops based at the same facility, in an apparent effort to reduce the risk of escalation. The talks are also expected to address arrangements for the possible return of General Jimcaale Jama Takar, who is currently in Mogadishu, with discussions reportedly centered on ensuring his safe and unobstructed travel back to Garoowe.

Beyond immediate security guarantees, the meeting is seen as part of broader efforts to prevent political tensions from spilling into armed confrontation in the Puntland capital, where public anxiety has been rising over the possibility of clashes.

The situation is further complicated by the continued presence of Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) troops stationed in parts of Kaalakacyo and the Bari region, a deployment that local officials in Puntland have previously viewed with suspicion amid broader political disagreements between Mogadishu and Garowe.

This overlapping security architecture—where both federal and regional forces maintain positions in strategically sensitive areas—has long been a source of tension, raising concerns about command coordination, territorial authority, and the risk of miscalculation.

Search for De-escalation

Despite the underlying political strains, today’s consultations are widely seen as an attempt to prevent escalation and maintain stability in one of Puntland’s most politically sensitive moments.

If successful, the meeting is expected to conclude with a mutual understanding aimed at keeping Garoowe calm, reassuring residents, and avoiding any slide toward armed confrontation in the regional capital.

For now, all eyes remain on whether political and traditional leadership can translate dialogue into durable security guarantees in a region where tensions have repeatedly tested the limits of restraint.

WardheerNews