Puntland Minister Urges Decentralized Coastal Security in Somalia, Citing Failures by Federal Government

GAROWE, Somalia — In the aftermath of the seizure and release of the MV Sea World off Somalia’s eastern coast, a senior Puntland minister is calling for a rethinking of how security along the country’s expansive coastline is managed.

Mohamed Abdirahman Farole, Puntland’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the Federal Government in Mogadishu has “repeatedly failed” to establish an effective coastal security system, arguing instead for a decentralized model that empowers Somalia’s Federal Member States.

“Security responsibility in Somalia should be decentralized, given the Federal Government’s repeated failure to deliver on this front,” Farole wrote. He added that Puntland, which controls more than 1,600 kilometers of Somalia’s shoreline, occupies the most strategic position in counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations in the Horn of Africa.

The MV Sea World was intercepted last month off the coast of Puntland carrying undeclared weapons. The incident raised questions about maritime oversight and security coordination between Somalia and its international partners. Turkey later confirmed ownership of the weapons shipment.

The minister defended the Puntland government’s decision to release the vessel after verification, saying the process followed legal procedures. He also welcomed a recent visit to Bosaso by the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia and his delegation, who met with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and senior leadership.

“Puntland has led from the front in the fight against ISIS, dismantling its bases and safeguarding regional stability,” he wrote, noting that the region’s efforts to secure both land and maritime borders “must not be drawn into opportunistic politicization.”

The minister’s remarks reflect long-standing tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government over the distribution of power and security responsibilities. While Mogadishu seeks greater central control, Puntland has pushed for a federal model that grants more autonomy to member states.

Mohamed Abdirahman also called on Turkey and other international partners to engage more directly with Federal Member States. “It is imperative that Ankara deepens its engagement with Federal Member States, notably Puntland – a frontline actor in Somalia’s security and counterterrorism,” he said.

The episode has reignited debate over the need for an inclusive and robust coastal security architecture in Somalia — one that ensures coordination among all levels of government while recognizing the unique roles played by regional authorities like Puntland.

GAROWE ONLINE