Senior members of the Puntland Cabinet have embarked on an official tour across several regions, including Mudug, Nugaal, Karkaar, Haylaan, Sanaag, Bari, and Raas-Casayr, as the regional government intensifies efforts to strengthen local administration, engage communities, and reinforce security amid growing tensions with Somalia’s Federal Government.
According to Puntland authorities, the visits are aimed at assessing conditions on the ground, identifying the needs of local communities, launching development projects, promoting public awareness, and reinforcing unity and security across the region.
During their visit to Mudug, members of the delegation toured Puntland military camps, police stations, and other public institutions. Officials also formally integrated local clan militia forces that had previously operated independently in parts of the region into Puntland’s security framework, describing the move as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security coordination.
The delegation also inaugurated newly completed development projects in Bilcil and Buursaalax, where they pledged to relay the concerns and development priorities raised by residents to the relevant government ministries for follow-up.
In Sanaag, another government delegation laid the foundation stone for new development projects in Badhan before meeting residents from Badhan, Xiingalool, and neighboring districts. Community leaders used the meetings to present recommendations and highlight challenges facing their communities before the officials continued their tour toward Haylaan.
Residents across several districts raised concerns over inadequate access to essential public services, including healthcare, education, roads, and water infrastructure. They urged the Puntland government to respond swiftly to these longstanding needs while reaffirming their support for Puntland’s security and their commitment to defending the region against any threats to its stability or unity.
The regional tour comes amid escalating political tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government after Mogadishu announced plans to recruit thousands of security personnel directly from Puntland, with the new forces expected to operate under the command of the Federal Government.
Puntland leaders have strongly opposed the plan, arguing that it constitutes interference in the region’s internal affairs and security structures. President Said Abdullahi Deni, alongside senior politicians, traditional elders, and civil society representatives, has repeatedly called on Puntland residents to remain united in defending the region’s constitutional authority, territorial security, and political cohesion while resolving internal differences through dialogue.