Puntland Calls for Inclusive Dialogue, Greater International Engagement with Federal States and Continued UN Role

Garowe (WDN) — Puntland has appealed to the United Nations Security Council for renewed international engagement in Somalia, warning of deepening political, security and economic tensions between the Federal Government and federal member states.

In a letter dated September 13, 2026, addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council president for September, French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, Puntland called for an inclusive Somali political dialogue to address disputes over the constitution, elections and the division of powers between Mogadishu and the federal states.

Puntland said its relations with the Federal Government have deteriorated significantly since 2023, accusing Mogadishu of interfering in its internal affairs and supporting rival political and armed actors. The allegations represent Puntland’s position and have not been independently established. The Federal Government has previously rejected accusations that it seeks to undermine federal member states.

Puntland administration also highlighted its ongoing military campaign against Islamic State militants in the Cal Miskaad mountains, arguing that Puntland forces have not received sufficient federal military, financial or logistical support.

Puntland further cited the August confrontation in Gaalkacyo, claiming that weapons and equipment were being transported toward northern Gaalkacyo. It said its forces detained 101 people and seized weapons, vehicles and other equipment. The account has not been independently verified.

The letter also raised concerns about maritime security and what Puntland described as signs of a possible resurgence of Somali piracy. It urged renewed international cooperation to protect Somalia’s coastline and commercial shipping.

Puntland separately alleged that Turkish forces carried out strikes near Garmaal and Jiifle on August 18 and 20, claiming that 14 Somalis were killed and fishing boats destroyed. The allegations have not been independently verified.

The administration also called for an investigation into a September 3 drone strike in Doolow, arguing that modern military capabilities provided for counterterrorism operations should not be used in Somalia’s internal political disputes.

Six Requests to the Security Council

Puntland outlined six principal requests:

1. Inclusive political dialogue involving the Federal Government, federal member states and other major political stakeholders.
2. Greater direct international engagement with federal member states, particularly on security, humanitarian assistance and development.
3. Restoration of the UN Panel of Experts’ monitoring powers over arms flows, organized crime and militant networks.
4. A review of Somalia’s arms restrictions, amid concerns that military equipment could be diverted to domestic political confrontations.
5. Extension of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), which is currently scheduled to complete its transition on October 31, 2026.
6. Greater international scrutiny of resource management and government transparency, including agreements and contracts involving Somalia’s national resources.

Puntland also urged the Security Council to support a political process capable of resolving disputes between Mogadishu and the federal member states rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into security confrontations.

The administration warned that continued political deadlock could deepen divisions between Somalia’s political authorities and potentially lead to the emergence of competing political centres.

Puntland nevertheless reaffirmed its support for a stable, peaceful, democratic and federal Somalia. The letter comes as Somalia faces unresolved disputes over constitutional reforms, elections and federal relations, while international partners prepare for further discussions on the country’s political and security situation.

Puntland’s appeal is expected to add to growing international attention on whether Somalia’s political leaders can reach a negotiated settlement before existing disagreements further strain relations between Mogadishu and the federal member states.

WardheerNews