Garowe, Somalia (KAAB TV) – Puntland’s regional government has intensified its opposition to the newly recognized SSC‑Khaatumo administration, imposing sweeping restrictions and escalating a political confrontation over disputed territories in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions.
Ban on Meetings, Vehicles and Political Activity
On July 7, Puntland announced a ban on all unauthorized political gatherings in Sanaag, including in hotels, community halls, and private homes—warning that organizers would face legal consequences. Simultaneously, vehicles bearing Southern Somaliland or SSC‑Khaatumo license plates were prohibited from operating in the region and may be impounded if found without Puntland-issued registration.
Military Deployment and Disruption of Conferences
Puntland has dispatched elite forces—including the Darwish and Puntland Maritime Police Force—to key towns throughout Sanaag, particularly targeting pro‑SSC‑Khaatumo assemblies. One such clash erupted at Ceelbuh on July 5, where Puntland troops confronted fighters loyal to ex-Parliament Speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, resulting in at least one civilian death and multiple injuries. Authorities also blocked a planned self‑determination conference, which was expected to advocate for incorporating Sanaag into SSC‑Khaatumo.
No Support from Elders in Sanaag and Haylaan
Traditional elders from Sanaag and Haylaan publicly distanced themselves from SSC‑Khaatumo’s leadership ambitions. In a statement dated July 9, they declared that neither region had authorized any political affiliation with SSC‑Khaatumo, reaffirming that they have been integral to Puntland since its founding in 1998. They called for inclusive governance under Puntland, demanded an apology from SSC‑Khaatumo for interference, and urged the Somali federal government to respect their position.
Puntland Reaffirms Constitutional Claim
Puntland’s Information Minister, Maxamuud Caydiid Dirir, reaffirmed that the SSC regions remain constitutionally part of Puntland, with no legal mechanism or referendum undertaken to alter that status. He criticized SSC‑Khaatumo’s outreach as both unlawful and destabilizing.
Broader Context: Federal Recognition and Rising Ambitions
Earlier in 2025, the Federal Government of Somalia formally recognized SSC‑Khaatumo as a federal member state. SSC‑Khaatumo leaders argued that their relationship with Mogadishu is constitutionally justified, emphasizing the rights of local communities to govern themselves.
However, Puntland officials accused Mogadishu of covertly encouraging clan leaders in contested areas to shift allegiance following a clandestine outreach campaign. Analysts warn that such maneuvering—bypassing Puntland’s participation—risks triggering armed confrontations in an already fragile region.
Escalation Could Threaten Stability
Observers caution that without transparent dialogue and constitutional procedures, this dispute may escalate further. With Puntland enforcing bans and deploying security forces, SSC‑Khaatumo consolidating federal recognition, and local elders pushing back, tensions in northern Somalia are entering a volatile phase. The risk of renewed violence looms as both administrations assert claims to overlapping territory with no mediating framework.
As political tensions escalate along clan and administrative lines in northern Somalia, the absence of formal, inclusive negotiation has raised alarm among observers. Without an agreed framework for dialogue or boundary adjustments, the conflict risks unraveling the fragile federalist order in Somalia.