Somalia: Troops Gather in Puntland Amidst Allegations of Election Manipulation – Sources

File Photo: Somali forces trained in Eritrea.

GAROWE, Puntland– Sources within the region have reported a significant gathering of troops near the outskirts of Qardho at the Xorgoble camp. Most of these troops, according to the sources, are being collected from the Bari region.

An unnamed military officer told Garowe Online that an agreement had been reached with these soldiers, promising payment of one hundred USD from the government budget and an additional 200 USD from the PMPF military camp, funded by the UAE government.

The situation raises concerns following recent events involving soldiers trained in Eritrea who escaped from federal government camps in Southern Somalia. It is estimated that between 300-400 of these escapees are now in Puntland.

According to the same unnamed officer, "The ongoing program carried out by officials working closely with President Deni is to bring those who are in the camps of the Federal Government to Puntland while money is sent to them." He added that 100 soldiers had been stationed at Xorgoble camp, with others arriving in Puntland planes after being sent money to Mogadishu.

These activities seem part of President Dani's plan to manipulate the upcoming elections in Puntland, with intentions to hold them by popular vote, after an alleged illegal alteration of the Puntland Constitution on June 25, 2023.

Disputes, with allegations of armed guards at polling stations, have already marred local council elections in districts, including the Puntland capital of Garowe.

The situation continues to unfold, with political analysts and international observers closely watching Puntland. The legitimacy of the election process and the rule of law within the region are at stake, and the outcome could have significant ramifications for the broader political landscape of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE