Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Regional authorities in Puntland have condemned the central government in Mogadishu (Villa Somalia), alleging efforts to undermine Puntland’s territorial integrity and autonomy.
1. Puntland Accuses Villa Somalia of Eroding Federalism and Fueling Instability
Regional authorities in Puntland have condemned the central government in Mogadishu (Villa Somalia), alleging efforts to undermine Puntland’s territorial integrity and autonomy. In recent months:
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Since late 2024, Puntland has ceased cooperation with the federal government and launched its own counter-terrorism campaign—Operation Hilaac—targeting ISIS in the Bari mountains without federal coordination.
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Puntland officials accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of orchestrating covert political interference, including destabilization efforts and backing opposition leaders within Puntland.
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High-level withdrawal by regional leaders from federal initiatives—Puntland President Deni declined to attend Villa Somalia’s national forum, citing it as exclusionary and “directionless”.
2. Dwindling Confidence from International Partners
Puntland leaders argue that Mogadishu’s failures in intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism have weakened the federal government’s global standing:
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Minister of Information Mahmoud Aydid Dirir announced that key partners—especially the US and UK—have lost trust in Villa Somalia, while increasingly supporting Puntland’s campaigns, including air-supplied rations to Puntland troops.
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Analysis indicates a diplomatic shift, with foreign stakeholders potentially preferring direct engagement with Puntland over federal channels.
3. Regional Bloc Emerges: Puntland and Jubaland Move Closer
In a bid to counterbalance Mogadishu’s growing centralization, Puntland (President Deni) hosted Jubaland’s President Ahmed Madobe in Garowe on June 22, 2025:
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The meeting reaffirmed their shared commitment to federalism, addressing concerns like electoral processes, constitutional reform, and resource-sharing.
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This consolidation signals potential formation of a regional bloc—aligned with Jubaland—to push back against federal overreach.
4. Localized Fragmentation: SSC-Khaatumo Dispute Adds Strain
Compounding tensions, internal disagreements within Puntland are emerging over the establishment of SSC‑Khaatumo, a regional administration claiming parts of Sool (and possibly Sanaag):
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On July 8, Puntland President Deni announced SSC-Khaatumo must confine itself to Sool; ambitions extending into Sanaag would be non-negotiable—sparking backlash from Puntland MPs.
5. Security Implications and Future Scenarios
The current standoff presents several risks and potential trajectories:
| Risk/Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| Security Fragmentation | Duplication of command in anti-terrorism operations may weaken coordination against al-Shabaab/ISIS. |
| Diplomatic Realignment | Direct foreign interaction with Puntland and Jubaland may marginalize Villa Somalia, altering federal dynamics. |
| Regional Bloc Formation | Emerging alliance between Puntland and Jubaland may institutionalize federal resistance. |
| Broader Dissolution | Internal disputes like SSC-Khaatumo may threaten Puntland’s internal cohesion. |
Bottom Line
Puntland’s withdrawal from federal initiatives, rebukes of Mogadishu’s authority, and diplomatic overtures to international partners and fellow federal states mark a decisive shift.
Somalia’s fragile federal architecture is witnessing a critical juncture—unity against terrorism is fracturing amid political infighting over autonomy, resources, and constitutional governance.