Somalia: Puntland Warns Against Federal Military Recruitment in Its Territory

GAROWE, Somalia – Puntland's Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor has warned that the semi-autonomous region will not allow military recruitment drives or meetings that it believes could undermine security and governance in its territory.

Speaking on the growing dispute between Puntland and Somalia's federal government, Lugatoor said authorities in the northeastern state would reject any attempt to establish federal military units or organize activities deemed harmful to stability.

“Politicians are free to come, speak, and express opposition views, but we will not allow meetings aimed at dismantling governance or the recruitment of troops inside Puntland,” Lugatoor said.

He added that the Puntland administration bears responsibility for maintaining security and public order, arguing that past incidents had demonstrated the risks posed by actions that could fuel instability and unrest.

The remarks come after Somalia's Deputy Finance Minister Abdiqafaar Haange said the federal government was prepared to recruit soldiers from any part of Puntland, adding that local clans were willing to provide recruits for federal forces.

The term-ended Somali government is accused of interference in the Federal states, with no support for Puntland in operations against Islamic State-linked militants in the Cal Miskaad mountains of the Bari region.

According to officials, the federal government wants to undermine the Puntland security and governance system as it has changed leadership in the Southwest state, where it installed a pro-Villa Somalia leader.

Relations between Puntland and the federal government have been strained in recent years over political and security issues, including disagreements over constitutional reforms, elections, and the distribution of power between Mogadishu and regional administrations.

GAROWE ONLINE