Somalia’s Federal Government’s Shameful Opportunism in Puntland’s Fight Against ISIS

EDITORIAL | For over 26 years, Puntland, a federal state of Somalia, has independently defended its borders and safeguarded its people without meaningful support from the central government in Mogadishu. Since Al-Shabaab and ISIS began waging war in the mountainous regions of Calmadow and Cal-Miskaad, Puntland’s forces have been on the frontlines, single-handedly fighting these extremist groups. Yet, despite its unwavering commitment to securing its territory, the so-called Federal Government of Somalia has provided no military assistance, logistical support, or even moral encouragement to Puntland’s troops.

Puntland is strategically located, with a coastline stretching over 1,600 kilometers along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It lies at the crucial Horn of Africa, a region that serves as a gateway to international trade routes. Given this geographical significance, Puntland’s war against terrorist groups has drawn global attention, highlighting the bravery of its forces and the dedication of its leadership. However, rather than acknowledging Puntland’s sacrifices, Somalia’s federal leadership has shamefully attempted to appropriate the victories achieved by Puntland’s soldiers.

For decades, Puntland has fought this war alone. Its soldiers have stormed terrorist hideouts in the mountains and caves, losing their lives in the battle to cleanse their land of foreign and local extremists. Not once has the Somali federal government sent reinforcements, nor has any Somali leader publicly declared support for Puntland’s forces. Yet, when the world started recognizing the effectiveness of Puntland’s counterterrorism efforts, Mogadishu’s leaders shamelessly sought to claim credit.

A Sudden Shift in Narrative

Recently, Villa Somalia issued a statement claiming that U.S. airstrikes targeting ISIS bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains were authorized by the Somali federal government. This raises an important question: Has Puntland been formally excluded from Somalia? Or is this merely an attempt by Mogadishu to rewrite history and erase Puntland’s role in the fight against terrorism?

Under international law, Puntland remains part of Somalia. Yet, in practice, Puntland has operated without any material or financial assistance from the federal government. For 25 years, Puntland’s troops have fought without Somali government-issued uniforms, without a single bullet provided by Mogadishu, and without salaries paid through the national budget. And now, when Puntland achieves a major victory against ISIS, Villa Somalia suddenly claims ownership of the success.

Adding to this hypocrisy, Somalia’s state-run news agency, SONNA, recently published an article written by the Minister of Information at Villa Somalia titled “Record-Breaking War on Terror Re-ignites Hope for Peace and Security in Somalia.” The article attempted to paint a picture of Somalia as making remarkable progress in the war against terrorism. But the real question is: What happened to the supposed war against Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia?

For years, the international community has poured millions of dollars into Mogadishu’s efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab, yet the group still controls vast areas, including regions near the birthplace of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Meanwhile, Puntland, without international funds or federal support, has successfully pushed ISIS out of its strongholds in the mountains.

Puntland’s Independence in the Fight Against Terrorism

The battle in Cal-Miskaad is indeed a Somali victory, but it is not one that President Hassan Sheikh and his administration can claim. Puntland has never declared secession from Somalia, but it has made it clear that it will not collaborate with Villa Somalia’s self-serving political agenda. Puntland’s leaders and people refuse to be part of a government that fails to act in the nation’s best interests while exploiting the hard-earned victories of others.

It is time for Puntland’s contributions to be recognized and respected. Villa Somalia must abandon its opportunistic tendencies and acknowledge that Puntland is not a province whose achievements can be stolen at will. If the federal government truly wants to be part of Somalia’s fight against terrorism, it should start by securing the vast regions still under Al-Shabaab’s rule instead of falsely claiming credit for victories won by Puntland’s heroic soldiers.

Puntland’s war against ISIS is a genuine and uncompromising fight. Mogadishu’s leadership, however, has turned its role into one of mere opportunism. While Puntland’s forces shed their blood for Somalia’s security, Villa Somalia remains absent—until it sees an opportunity to take credit. This blatant attempt to rewrite history must be condemned, and Puntland’s rightful place in the fight against terrorism must be acknowledged.

Garowe Online Editorial Board : This article is an editorial piece written by the Garowe Online Editorial Board. The views expressed herein reflect the editorial stance of Garowe Online and are based on factual analysis of the situation in Puntland and Somalia.