Puntland Accuses Somali Federal Government of Destabilizing Peaceful Regions

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Farah Juha, on Monday night issued a scathing statement accusing Somalia’s federal government of inciting violence and undermining stability in the northeastern federal member state.

“We strongly condemn the Federal Government, which in recent days has been stirring unrest, inciting communities, and causing instability in the peaceful regions of Puntland,” Juha said in a press release.

The minister singled out the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing it of orchestrating an armed confrontation in the town of Dhahar, Haylaan region. According to Juha, federal-backed militias provoked deadly violence there earlier in the day, resulting in casualties.

“This reckless act is a betrayal of Puntland’s rightful fight against terrorist groups such as ISIS and al-Shabaab, who remain entrenched in the Cal Miskaad and Calmadow mountain ranges,” he said. “The federal government will be held fully accountable.”

Juha also criticized the federal government for what he described as misuse of international aid, claiming that Mogadishu is deploying armed groups into Puntland using resources intended for national development and stabilization.

“It is unfortunate that the federal government, having failed in its core duties, now uses international donor funds to sow chaos in peaceful regions, contributing nothing but destruction,” he said.

Tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Puntland have grown in recent years over political disagreements and contested constitutional reforms.

GAROWE ONLINE