Puntland and Galmudug officials have held security talks in Galkayo as political and military tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government escalate.
The meeting, chaired by Puntland’s Deputy Minister of Security and Galmudug Security Minister Aden Warsame Ilmi, brought together regional, district, and security officials from both administrations to assess the security situation in Mudug region and strengthen coordination between the two sides.
The meeting comes only days after Puntland issued a formal warning to Galmudug, urging the administration not to allow weapons or military supplies destined for forces linked to the Federal Government to transit through airports and territory under Galmudug’s control.
Puntland claimed such shipments could be used to destabilize the region amid the worsening political dispute between Garowe and Mogadishu.
The warning followed Puntland’s declaration that the Puntland Security Force (PSF) has no legal status under Puntland law, while also rejecting the presence of any military units registered under the Federal Government inside Puntland.
The statement marked a significant escalation in the long-running dispute over security authority and control of armed forces operating in the state.
Officials from both administrations emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to preserve peace in Galkayo, a city jointly administered by Puntland and Galmudug that has experienced repeated conflict in the past.
Following the meeting, members of the Mudug Regional Security Committee toured both sides of the city and told reporters that regular security coordination remains essential to maintaining stability and public confidence.
The talks also come on the eve of Galmudug’s disputed regional election, scheduled for Thursday in Galkayo.
The election campaign has intensified in recent weeks, with opposition groups questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process, raising concerns that political tensions could affect security in the region.
Meanwhile, Puntland security forces have reportedly seized weapons and detained armed personnel in Bari region whom authorities claim were registered under the Federal Government.
The incident follows recent clashes involving forces allegedly linked to the PSF, further deepening the security dispute between Puntland and Mogadishu.
Galkayo has largely remained peaceful since Puntland and Galmudug ended years of deadly conflict through a reconciliation agreement nearly nine years ago.
That settlement helped stabilize one of Somalia’s most volatile cities, but growing tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government have renewed concerns that political disputes could once again threaten the fragile security gains achieved through years of cooperation.
