Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in Galkayo as part of his ongoing tour of central Somalia, where he addressed residents at Abdullahi Isse Stadium and called for unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking to residents, Hassan Sheikh praised the people of Galkayo for their commitment to social cohesion and urged them to strengthen peace, cooperation and reconciliation.
He stressed the importance of preventing political differences from dividing communities or undermining stability.
However, the President’s visit has raised strong concerns in Puntland, which considers Galkayo a highly sensitive political and security area. The city is divided between Puntland and Galmudug, with the two administrations controlling different parts of Galkayo.
Puntland authorities had previously warned that Hassan Sheikh’s planned visit to South Galkayo could increase political tensions.
The concerns come amid already strained relations between Puntland and the Federal Government over constitutional changes, elections, federal powers and the distribution of political authority.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has repeatedly emphasized that Puntland will protect its security and administrative authority.
Puntland officials have also warned against actions they believe could undermine the region’s stability or create confrontation between federal and Puntland forces.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has previously accused federal authorities of fueling tensions in Gaalkacyo through the deployment of troops and weapons.
In an earlier televised address, Deni said a Puntland security operation in the city sent a “clear message to anyone engaged in activities that threaten Puntland’s security and state authority.”
The concerns are particularly significant because any increase in the presence of federal officials, security personnel or armed forces around Galkayo could create a potential clash of interests between Mogadishu and Garowe.
Critics argue that Hassan Sheikh’s decision to visit Galkayo at a time of heightened political tensions risks turning the city into another arena for the broader confrontation between the Federal Government and Puntland.
They say the President should prioritize direct political dialogue with Puntland rather than taking steps that could be interpreted as an assertion of federal authority in a politically divided city.
There are also fears that heightened security measures surrounding the visit could create unnecessary tension among residents.
If federal and Puntland forces operate in close proximity without proper coordination, even a minor misunderstanding could potentially escalate into an armed confrontation.
For his part, Hassan Sheikh has presented the visit as an opportunity to promote peace and reconciliation. His appeal to Galkayo residents to preserve unity carries particular significance given the city’s history of political and clan-related tensions.
However, Puntland critics argue that calls for reconciliation must be matched by political engagement.
They maintain that lasting stability in Galkayo requires cooperation between Puntland, Galmudug and the Federal Government, rather than unilateral political moves.
Galkayo remains one of Somalia’s most strategically important cities because of its location, commercial activity and position between Puntland and Galmudug.
Any political or security escalation there could affect trade, transportation and the daily lives of residents on both sides of the city.
The immediate concern is therefore whether Hassan Sheikh’s visit will contribute to reconciliation or further deepen the political divide between Mogadishu and Garowe.
While the President says Galkayo should remain a symbol of unity and coexistence, Puntland’s concerns highlight the broader question of who controls security and political affairs in a city divided between two administrations.