Garowe (WDN) — Puntland has sharply criticized former members of its security forces who reportedly joined Somalia’s Federal Government before moving into neighboring Galmudug, demanding that they be returned to Puntland and accusing Mogadishu of using security personnel to fuel tensions in the region.

Puntland Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamud Ayid Dirir, speaking at a press conference in Garowe, described the former personnel as criminals and called on the Galmudug administration to hand them over to Puntland authorities.

The minister alleged that the men had been part of a group involved in plans to create instability in Galkayo, the divided city jointly administered by Puntland and Galmudug and a longstanding flashpoint for political and security tensions.

“Some of those who wanted to create chaos in Galkayo reportedly joined the Federal Government forces before moving to Galmudug,” Dirir said.

He insisted that Galmudug now bears responsibility for the individuals and demanded their immediate transfer to Puntland. “Galmudug is expected to return them and hand these criminals over to Puntland,” he said.

Dirir also directed serious allegations at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing his administration of pursuing a strategy aimed at undermining Puntland’s security and damaging relations between Puntland and Galmudug.

He alleged that the Federal Government was attempting to drive a wedge between the two neighboring administrations, although he did not present publicly verifiable evidence to substantiate the claims.

The accusations come amid already deteriorating relations between Puntland and the Federal Government, with the two sides sharply divided over constitutional amendments, electoral arrangements and the distribution of powers between Mogadishu and the Federal Member States.

Tensions Around Galkayo

The statement was issued as President Hassan Sheikh was visiting Dhusamareeb, where he has been holding meetings with Galmudug leaders and federal officials.

Galkayo remains particularly sensitive because of its divided administration and history of political and security confrontations. Although Puntland and Galmudug have made efforts in recent years to maintain cooperation and prevent renewed conflict, the city’s strategic importance continues to make it vulnerable to wider political disputes.

Puntland’s latest allegations therefore risk adding another layer to an already tense relationship between the Federal Government and the regional administration.

Neither Galmudug nor the Federal Government has so far issued an official response to the accusations made by the Puntland minister.

WardheerNews