Bosaso-Garowe Road Blocked, Port Closed as Puntland Faces Worsening Financial and Political Storm

BOSASO – The economic and security crisis gripping Puntland deepened on Monday as armed Darawiish troops completely shut down the Bosaso–Garowe highway, the region’s main commercial artery, in a protest over months of unpaid salaries, compounding an already dire situation caused by the prolonged closure of Bosaso port.

Forces affiliated with Puntland’s Darawiish brigade have stationed themselves along the key trade route in the Faluuja area of the Carmo district, blocking all traffic and demanding immediate payment of wages and other financial entitlements that have been delayed for several months. The soldiers, who withdrew from frontline positions in the Calmiskaad mountains approximately a week ago, have used military vehicles and heavy weapons to enforce the blockade, effectively halting the movement of passengers, traders, and goods.

The protest is the latest in a series of salary disputes that have plagued Puntland’s security forces. The Darawiish troops have stated that the road will remain closed until the Puntland administration addresses their grievances. As of now, senior military commanders and government officials have not issued a public statement regarding the protest or the closure.

The blockade of the Bosaso–Garowe highway comes at a time when Bosaso port, the economic lifeline of Puntland, has been shut for over a week amid a dispute between DP World and local traders over increased service fees and new taxes.

Bosaso Port Crisis Intensifies Economic Hardship

Bosaso port, which serves as the main gateway for imports and exports for Puntland and parts of central Somalia, has been closed since July 1 after traders refused to accept new charges imposed by the Dubai-based DP World. The company has so far shown no sign of backing down, deepening the standoff. The port, a critical hub for essential goods, has seen no commercial activity since the closure began.

Business leaders and economists have warned that the prolonged closure could disrupt supply chains, drive up consumer prices, and weaken one of Puntland’s most important economic lifelines. The strike has halted commercial activity, and markets in Bosaso have closed in support of the traders’ grievances. The disruption has affected the supply of food, fuel, medicine, and other essential commodities.

Traders have long complained that DP World, which has managed the port for nearly a decade, imposes high fees without delivering the promised expansion and modernisation. The company’s record has been marked by operational disruptions and allegations of neglect, with the current crisis mirroring previous standoffs, including a 2017 closure that triggered protests and left at least one person dead.

Financial Strain and Federal-State Tensions

The economic turmoil is occurring against the backdrop of a worsening financial crisis in Puntland. The regional administration is facing a 32.4% budget shortfall for 2026, raising serious concerns about the impact on public services, infrastructure projects, and civil servant salaries.

The financial strain on Puntland’s administration is evident, and the delays in paying security forces have fueled repeated protests, with civil servants also reporting they have not been paid for months.

The crisis cannot be separated from the wider political confrontation between Mogadishu and Garowe. The Federal Government’s decision to terminate all bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates in January 2026, including those concerning the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, has been a major flashpoint. Puntland has rejected the federal decision, declaring it “null and void” and asserting its authority over the port agreement.

Puntland has formally rejected the federal government’s decision to cancel the Bosaso Port Development Project, and has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of using the diplomatic row to distract from domestic political failures.

Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor has accused Villa Somalia of utilising substantial resources to destabilize the region, stating that the state’s security focus is shifting toward “defence” against political interference.

Way Forward

As the blockade of the Bosaso–Garowe highway enters its second day and the port closure continues, the pressure is mounting on the Puntland administration to resolve both crises. The longer the road and port remain closed, the more severe the economic consequences will be for Puntland, with potential shortages of essential goods and rising inflation. The standoff underscores the fragility of the region’s critical infrastructure and the need for a more sustainable and transparent management model. Without a swift resolution, the crisis risks deepening, further destabilising an already fragile economy and exacerbating the political rift between Garowe and Mogadishu.