Traditional elders from the Ali Saleban clan have opposed a military operation by the Puntland authorities in Kodmo, an area under Baho-Rako district, amid rising tensions between Puntland forces and troops aligned with Somalia’s Federal Government.

In a statement, the elders questioned the presence of weapons carried by the troops in the area, saying the weapons belong to private individuals and that no agreed disarmament process is currently being implemented in Puntland.

The elders stressed that any disarmament initiative must be based on an agreement accepted by the concerned parties and carried out through a trusted process.

“If there is to be disarmament, it must be agreed upon and the weapons must be placed in trusted hands,” the elders said.

They also warned Puntland’s leadership against relying on military force or political pressure to maintain authority, arguing that sustainable governance cannot be built through coercion or social division.

“We make it clear to Puntland’s leaders that the assertion of power by a particular group cannot build sustainable government, and a public mandate cannot be maintained through force and social division,” they said.

The dispute comes as tensions continue in Kodmo following the movement of troops who claim allegiance to the Federal Government from Armo in Bari region several days ago.

The deployment has raised concerns that the disagreement over military command and authority could develop into a wider confrontation.

The situation remains sensitive, however, as traditional elders and other local figures are reportedly attempting to mediate between the rival sides.

The elders’ statement adds political and community pressure on Puntland to resolve the dispute through dialogue rather than military action.