Garowe (WDN) — The Puntland Cabinet has ordered that the names of politicians, security officials and other individuals accused of involvement in activities aimed at undermining security and the state’s governing institutions be referred to the justice authorities for legal action.

The decision, announced following a Cabinet meeting, signals a tougher stance by the Puntland administration toward individuals it believes are involved in efforts to destabilize the region or disrupt its constitutional and institutional order.

The Cabinet directed that the allegations against the named individuals be handled through the appropriate legal and judicial channels, with those accused to be brought before the law.

Restrictions on Unauthorized Forces and Social Media

In a separate security directive, the Cabinet ordered all security institutions to prevent military personnel and vehicles that are not part of officially recognized security agencies from operating or moving freely within Puntland territory.

The directive appears aimed at tightening control over armed formations and preventing unauthorized military movements, amid broader concerns over security coordination and competing chains of command. The Cabinet emphasized that security operations and the movement of armed personnel must remain under the authority of officially established state security institutions.

The Puntland government also turned its attention to social media, ordering that legal measures be taken against owners and users of platforms who publish what authorities describe as false information intended to damage the reputation of Puntland’s governing institutions.

The decision could further intensify debate over the balance between combating misinformation and protecting freedom of expression, particularly as social media has become an increasingly influential platform for political debate and public criticism. The Cabinet called on media organizations and journalists operating in Puntland to comply with the Puntland media laws and uphold professional and ethical standards.

Authorities stressed that journalists and media outlets have a responsibility to observe established regulations and professional standards in their reporting. The Cabinet also instructed Puntland security forces to intensify efforts against organized crimes at sea, including piracy and illegal fishing.

Security forces were directed to take action against individuals and groups involved in organized maritime criminal activities and to respond to any violations of Puntland’s territorial waters. The order reflects Puntland’s continued concern over the security and protection of its extensive coastline, particularly in relation to illegal fishing, maritime crime and unauthorized activities in its waters.

Taken together, the Cabinet’s decisions represent a broad security and governance push focused on controlling unauthorized armed movements, pursuing individuals accused of destabilizing the state, regulating information considered harmful to public order, and strengthening maritime security.

The measures also place renewed emphasis on the role of Puntland’s formal institutions in maintaining security and political stability. The government is now expected to translate the Cabinet’s directives into concrete legal and security measures, with particular attention likely to fall on how the authorities handle the cases referred to the justice system and how the new restrictions on unauthorized forces and social-media activity are enforced.

The effectiveness of the measures—and whether they strengthen stability without further deepening political tensions—will ultimately depend on their implementation within the framework of Puntland’s laws and judicial institutions.

WardheerNews