Garower (WDN)- Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor has publicly declared Puntland’s support for Galmudug, calling on its people and political leaders to protect the state’s stability, institutions, and unity amid escalating political tensions over its future leadership.
Speaking at a ceremony in Garowe marking the launch of Puntland’s national secondary school examinations, Lugatoor used the occasion to deliver a pointed political message regarding the growing uncertainty in Galmudug. He urged Galmudug’s leaders, elders, and communities to place the preservation of state institutions above political rivalries and to pursue a consensual electoral process capable of safeguarding the region from instability.
“We call upon the people of Galmudug to engage in meaningful dialogue, protect their statehood, and conduct an election that enjoys broad acceptance among all stakeholders,” Lugatoor said. “Puntland stands ready to support every effort aimed at preserving Galmudug’s unity, stability, and democratic institutions.”
Call for a Consensus-Based Election
The Puntland Vice President stressed that the future of Galmudug should be determined through dialogue and consensus rather than political confrontation. He warned that any attempt to impose political outcomes could undermine years of state-building efforts and threaten the fragile stability achieved in central Somalia.
According to Lugatoor, the preservation of Galmudug’s institutions is not only a regional concern but also a critical component of Somalia’s broader federal system. He emphasized that sustainable peace can only be achieved through elections that are transparent, credible, and accepted by the people of the state.
Lugatoor also directed sharp criticism at Somalia’s Federal Government, accusing it of contributing to political tensions across the country rather than serving as a neutral guarantor of stability. He argued that the Federal Government should focus on facilitating dialogue and strengthening cooperation among federal member states instead of becoming entangled in political disputes that risk deepening divisions.
The Vice President specifically referenced the security situation in Baydhabo, where violence erupted earlier in the day, alleging that the Federal Government bore responsibility for the deteriorating situation. He also expressed support for former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen amid the ongoing political turmoil.
In one of the strongest remarks of his speech, Lugatoor claimed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is becoming increasingly isolated politically as former allies distance themselves from his administration. He argued that Somalia now requires a collective national effort to steer the country toward a broadly accepted electoral framework capable of restoring political confidence and preventing further instability.
“Today Somalia needs unity, compromise, and a political settlement that commands national acceptance,” he said. “The country cannot afford deeper divisions at a time when consensus and cooperation are urgently needed.”Lugatoor’s comments come as political tensions continue to rise across several federal member states, with disputes over elections, governance, and the balance of power between Mogadishu and regional administrations dominating Somalia’s political landscape.
Galmudug has increasingly emerged as a focal point in these disputes, with competing political interests and allegations of external interference fueling uncertainty over the state’s future leadership. Political observers warn that developments in Galmudug could have consequences extending far beyond the region itself, potentially shaping the future of Somalia’s federal system and the relationship between the Federal Government and the country’s member states.
As the political temperature rises, Puntland’s public intervention signals growing concern among regional leaders that the unresolved disputes surrounding Galmudug could evolve into a broader national crisis if not addressed through dialogue, compromise, and a mutually accepted electoral process.