Authorities in northeastern Somalia’s Puntland state on Saturday said they were closely monitoring what they described as military maneuvers by Somalia’s federal government in the central town of Galkayo, warning that the developments could threaten regional stability and Puntland’s governing institutions.
Puntland authorities accused the federal government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of attempting to use military and political pressure to weaken Puntland’s governance system, saying the movements around Galkayo risk provoking a confrontation between the two sides.
In a statement, Puntland authorities clarified that no force known as the Puntland Security Force (PSF) is legally recognized as part of Puntland’s official defense structure, adding that the unit currently operating under that name in Puntland is not registered under the authority of the federal government either.
Puntland also sent a message to neighboring Galmudug state and the international community, urging Galmudug authorities not to allow its territory, airports, or other facilities to be used for the movement of weapons and forces that could be directed against Puntland.