Garowe (WDN) -A high-level mediation effort involving influential elders and senior Puntland officials has reportedly succeeded in easing the recent standoff between Gen. Jimale Jama Takar and the Puntland government, bringing a temporary calm to one of the state’s most closely watched political and security disputes.

The talks, held over several days in Garowe, concluded late Tuesday night with what participants described as a breakthrough agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions that had threatened to deepen divisions within Puntland’s security landscape.

Among those participating in the discussions were former Puntland President Sen. Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, Puntland Interior Minister Abdi Hirsi Qarjab, Health Minister Mohamed Abdirahman Farole, and Puntland Police Commissioner Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire. The meeting focused on security in Garowe, Puntland’s internal political situation, and broader developments across Somalia.

Speaking after the meeting, Senator Farole said the negotiations had ended successfully and praised the efforts of Nugaal’s traditional elders in helping bridge differences between the government and Gen. Jimale.

Although officials have not publicly disclosed the terms of the agreement, WardheerNews has learned from sources familiar with the talks that both sides agreed in principle to cooperate on security matters, including coordination between the Puntland administration and the elite Danab Special Forces commanded by Gen. Jimale. Whether the understanding translates into practical cooperation is expected to become clear in the coming days.

While the immediate dispute appears to have eased, the agreement comes amid growing political and security pressures inside Puntland.

Relations between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government have remained strained amid accusations by Puntland officials that federal authorities have been recruiting security personnel across Puntland territory without prior consultation with the regional administration.

The controversy has added another layer to the already fragile relationship between Garowe and Mogadishu, which has been marked by disputes over constitutional reforms, federal authority, and security coordination.

Mounting Economic Pressures

At the same time, Puntland faces increasing domestic challenges beyond politics. Soldiers returning from front-line operations have reportedly complained of prolonged salary delays, while civil servants across government institutions have also raised concerns over unpaid wages, fueling frustration within the public sector.

Fresh discontent has also emerged in Galkayo, where local lawmakers and traditional elders say the city has been excluded from the World Bank-funded Bulsho Project, a major water infrastructure initiative intended to improve public access to clean water. Community leaders argue that Galkayo had previously been included in the program and are demanding an explanation for its reported removal.

Although the mediation has reduced immediate tensions surrounding Gen. Jimale, analysts caution that Puntland’s underlying political and economic challenges remain unresolved. Relations with the Federal Government, concerns over security coordination, delayed public-sector salaries, and disputes over development funding continue to test the stability of Somalia’s most autonomous federal state.

For now, the agreement offers a welcome pause in a growing confrontation, but whether it marks the beginning of lasting cooperation—or merely a temporary truce—will become evident in the weeks ahead.

WardheerNews