What was once a mechanism to uplift Somali communities has now become a tool of coercion, deployed not for development, but for domination.

Millions of dollars earmarked for Puntland—resources secured in the name of the Somali people—are either diverted, delayed, or deliberately politicized by a federal administration bent on centralizing power at the expense of regional autonomy.

The donor community, whether by willful ignorance or silent complicity, enables this injustice. By funneling aid through Mogadishu without enforcing equitable distribution, international partners are empowering a centralized elite and undermining the very federal system they claim to support.

Let it be stated clearly: Puntland will not be strong-armed into submission through manipulated aid schemes or bureaucratic blackmail. Our people have endured decades of adversity—not through handouts or appeasement—but through self-reliance, governance, and sheer determination.

We built institutions when others faltered, and we maintained stability while others dissolved into chaos. To now be treated as a subordinate entity, expected to beg for what is rightfully ours, is not only unacceptable—it is an affront to our dignity and legacy.

This conspiracy to starve Puntland into political obedience will fail. No amount of donor deception or Mogadishu maneuvering will erase the will of a people determined to chart their own course. Puntland does not reject aid—it rejects manipulation. We will welcome partnership, but only one that respects our autonomy, our rights, and our people.

The international community must choose: continue propping up authoritarianism cloaked in federal rhetoric, or stand with regions like Puntland that actually embody the democratic and developmental aspirations they so often preach. Time is running out for neutrality. Silence, at this juncture, is nothing less than endorsement of tyranny.

Puntland is not for sale. We will weather this storm, as we have others—by standing firm, standing free, and standing together.

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Ismail Warsame is a digital journalist based in Toronto, Canada. He is the former Chief of Staff, Puntland State Presidency.

The post Puntland Will Not Bow to Donor-Driven Authoritarianism appeared first on Kaab TV.

The Al-Shabaab militants launched an unexpected attack on the Aboorey area in the Hiiraan region, where Macawisley militia members from the Hawadle clan were stationed.

Al-Shabaab stated that they killed several members of the Ma’awisley militia in the battle and seized military vehicles.

Ma’awisley militia officials confirmed their casualties but also reported killing some of the attackers.

In addition, Al-Shabaab carried out assaults on several areas in the Middle Shabelle region, with reports indicating that local civilians are fleeing the affected areas.

Photos circulated on social media show military and cargo vehicles, some of which were set on fire during the attacks.

On Tuesday, Al-Shabaab militants entered the El Ahmed and Al-Kowthar areas in the Middle Shabelle region, where they remain stationed as of now.

Civilians have started fleeing

There is rising fear in Aadan Yabaal, where both government forces and the Ma’awisley militia had been present.

A local source told Kaab TV that civilians in Aadan Yabaal have started fleeing, fearing a possible battle as Al-Shabaab forces have advanced into nearby areas.

Al-Shabaab had previously captured the Ruun Nirgood district in the Middle Shabelle region.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab militants took control of several key areas last week, including El Baraf, Ali Fooldheere, Iid-Iidka, and Miir Tuugo, where government forces have yet to regain control.

The Ministry of Defence in Somalia has not commented on Al-Shabaab’s activities or the areas they have seized.

The Hirshabeelle administration also remains silent, with President Ali Guudlaawe absent from the city of Jowhar.

In Jowhar, government forces have been conducting operations in the Hawadley area, but military officials have not yet commented on these actions.

The Ministry of Information has posted on social media that several Al-Shabaab militants were killed during these recent assaults.

The post Al-Shabaab Carries Out Attacks in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, Civilians Flee appeared first on Kaab TV.