GAROWE – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has initiated a series of broad political consultations in Garowe, aimed at marshalling a unified regional stance against what he describes as the “destabilizing” presence of federal troops in Puntland’s territory, according to local sources.

The meetings, which began on Sunday, are expected to bring together traditional elders, politicians, security officials, civil society representatives, and other community members. President Deni is expected to brief participants on the security and political pressures arising from the presence of federal forces and to rally support for Puntland’s position.

This move comes amid escalating tensions between the Puntland administration and the Federal Government of Somalia. The Puntland government has announced that it will not allow troops associated with the Federal Government of Somalia to be stationed in or move through Puntland territory, reaffirming its authority over security issues within its jurisdiction. The decision followed a cabinet meeting chaired by President Deni and attended by Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor.

Mobilizing Against Federal ‘Destabilization’

Tensions have further escalated following reports that federal funds were distributed directly to specific troops deployed within Puntland. These units were historically part of the Puntland military but were subsequently integrated into the Somali National Army (SNA). Puntland’s Presidential Security Advisor disclosed that there are currently 1,376 soldiers stationed within the state whose salaries are financed directly by the federal government. State officials allege that the purpose of these payments is to bypass Puntland’s command structure, creating a force that undermines the state’s security autonomy.

President Deni has previously accused Villa Somalia of attempting to “monopolize power” and push unilateral constitutional amendments without consensus from federal member states. The dispute extends to the 2026 election model, with Puntland and its allies in the Somali Future Council rejecting the “one-person-one-vote” framework, arguing that such a fundamental change requires broader agreement among all federal stakeholders.

Deepening Rift and Risk of Armed Confrontation

The consultations in Garowe come amid fears of a potential armed confrontation between Puntland and federal forces. Somalia’s federal government and the northeastern semi-autonomous region of Puntland are moving closer to a potential armed confrontation as competing military deployments intensify, raising fears that a long-running political dispute could turn into open fighting. Puntland authorities have sent additional troops to major cities and bolstered security forces at checkpoints outside Bosaso, Garowe, and Galkayo.

Leaked military and logistics documents reviewed by local media allege that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is urging allied political groups from Puntland to provoke armed clashes in major cities as part of an operation aimed at creating political confusion. The plan has, however, split Puntland politicians aligned with the federal government into rival factions, with some rejecting the president’s instructions.

Way Forward

The consultations led by President Deni are seen as a critical step in consolidating Puntland’s internal position as the standoff with Mogadishu deepens. The region has already barred federal politicians and officials from its territory, accusing them of destabilizing local security. It has also prohibited the movement of armed militias or new federal troop deployments within its borders.

As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the risk of further escalation remains high. The outcome of Deni’s consultations could determine whether Puntland opts for a negotiated settlement or prepares for a more confrontational approach in the weeks ahead.