GAROWE (WDN) – The Puntland government has issued a forceful appeal to the international community, calling immediate inclusion in Somalia’s national stabilization initiatives, particularly those funded by global partners invested in peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery.

In a formal statement released by Puntland’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Democratization, authorities expressed deep concern that Puntland remains excluded from key stabilization programs—despite leading successful operations to liberate areas from terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Shabaab.

“Puntland calls on the international community, including local and international peacebuilding organizations, to ensure the region is included in Somalia’s stabilization programs, from which it is currently sidelined,” the statement read. “There is an urgent need in areas like Cal-Miskaad, recently cleared of ISIS, and Calmadow, where operations are underway to dislodge Al-Shabaab.”

The call comes amid a growing sense of frustration in Garowe, as Puntland bears the heavy security and financial burden of anti-terrorism efforts without proportional international support. The government argues that exclusion from stabilization programs undermines efforts to consolidate gains made against violent extremist groups.

The appeal coincided with a high-level conference held in the Carmo district of Bari region, focused on the Cal-Miskaad Stabilization Program. Government officials and local stakeholders gathered to assess the humanitarian and developmental needs in districts affected by the prolonged militant presence in the mountain ranges of northeastern Somalia.

Puntland’s Ministry emphasized that the outcome of the Carmo meeting—especially the collection of localized data—will be essential in designing effective stabilization projects. Yet, without international backing, the government warns that the lack of follow-up support may leave these liberated areas vulnerable to relapse.

The Puntland government’s plea underscores a broader issue of uneven support across Somalia’s federal member states, raising questions about the criteria used to allocate stabilization aid. Analysts say the neglect of front-line regions like Puntland could undercut national and international counterterrorism investments. With Puntland now actively engaged in operations against Al-Shabaab in the Calmadow mountains and having recently dislodged ISIS from Cal-Miskaad, the region argues that its exclusion is not only unjust—but potentially dangerous for Somalia’s long-term stability.

WardheerNews