The Somali Future Council has blamed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the escalating violence in Galkayo, accusing him of inflaming tensions by deploying troops and weapons to areas along the Puntland–Galmudug boundary.

In a statement, the opposition coalition warned that the military buildup risks destabilizing the region, undermining years of reconciliation efforts, and diverting critical security resources away from the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The council called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all parties to exercise restraint and protect the peace and coexistence that has gradually been restored in Galkayo.

It warned that continued fighting could lead to further deaths, injuries, and displacement while creating opportunities for Al-Shabaab to exploit the deteriorating security situation and expand its operations.

According to the statement, the deployment of federal troops and weapons has unnecessarily heightened tensions between Puntland and Galmudug at a time when Somalia should be concentrating its military efforts on defeating extremist groups rather than fueling internal conflicts.

The council argued that the current escalation threatens regional stability and weakens national efforts to improve security across the country.

The Somali Future Council also pledged to support mediation efforts, saying it is prepared to work with traditional elders, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community representatives to facilitate dialogue and help restore lasting peace in Galkayo.

The opposition stressed that political disputes should be resolved through negotiation rather than armed confrontation to prevent the conflict from escalating further.

Heavy fighting involving mortar fire erupted Wednesday in the eastern outskirts of Galkayo, the capital of Somalia’s Mudug region, as clashes intensified between Puntland security forces and fighters affiliated with the Puntland Security Force (PSF), who Puntland alleges are backed by the Federal Government of Somalia.

Residents reported hearing sustained explosions and heavy weapons fire across several neighborhoods of the city, while thick black smoke was seen rising near Abdullahi Yusuf Airport, an area where forces aligned with the Federal Government are reportedly stationed.

Witnesses told local media that several mortar shells landed in the Buulo Doora neighborhood during the early hours of Wednesday morning, sparking panic among residents.

There has been no official confirmation of casualties or damage, and it remains unclear which side fired the shells.

The latest fighting follows violent clashes that erupted a day earlier in southern Galkayo after local clan militias intercepted a convoy transporting weapons and military equipment.

According to local reports, the shipment originated from Mogadishu and was allegedly intended for forces in northern Galkayo.

Puntland has opposed the movement of the weapons, while forces aligned with the Federal Government insist the arms belong to government troops stationed in the area.

The dispute over the transfer of the weapons has become the immediate trigger for the latest escalation, with Puntland seeking to prevent the shipment from reaching areas under its control, while opposing forces have resisted efforts to block the convoy.

The renewed violence has heightened fears of a broader confrontation in Galkayo, a city historically divided between Puntland in the north and Galmudug in the south.

Although years of reconciliation efforts significantly reduced intercommunal violence, recent political disputes between Puntland and the Federal Government have revived tensions and increased the risk of wider instability.

No official statement had been issued by the Federal Government of Somalia, Puntland, or Galmudug regarding Wednesday’s mortar exchanges at the time of publication.

Security analysts warn that unless urgent mediation is undertaken, the fighting could further destabilize the region and threaten the fragile peace that has largely held in Galkayo in recent years.