Puntland Political Council Warns Against Disarmament Without Community Consensus

GAROWE — The Puntland Political Council has called for a negotiated resolution to the escalating tensions in the Kodmo area of the Karkaar region, where Puntland forces and troops aligned with the Federal Government have been in a standoff since early August. The council warned that any effort to disarm federal-aligned forces without broad community consensus could lead to further conflict and instability.

The Puntland administration has placed its defence forces on high alert and issued a stern warning against an upcoming visit by former Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the southern, Galmudug-controlled side of Galkayo, accusing him of plotting to destabilise the city.

The council, comprising 26 signatories including former ministers, academics, and senior officials, issued a statement on August 12 urging the Puntland administration to engage traditional elders and community leaders in finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.

“The council recommends that the administration consult with traditional leaders and elders of the area to resolve the conflict in Kodmo through peaceful means,” the statement read.

President Deni has held talks with Mudug elders in Galkayo to address security and development concerns, though the meeting drew criticism over the seating arrangement and representation of traditional leaders.

President Deni has announced that he will not seek a third term, confirming that his Kaah party will field a new candidate for the 2029 presidential election. The announcement comes amid intense debate over Puntland’s constitutional reforms and the political succession within the region.

The tensions in Kodmo are the latest flashpoint in the growing rift between Puntland and the Federal Government. Federal-aligned forces abandoned a military base in Carmo on August 7 after Puntland issued ultimatums for them to surrender or integrate into Puntland’s security structures. Those forces relocated to Xumbays and areas near Rako-Raaxo, prompting Puntland to deploy additional troops to the region.

A tense military standoff has developed in the Karkaar region, with traditional elders actively engaged in mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation. The elders are working to prevent any miscalculation that could spark a wider military confrontation.

Following the takeover of a PSF base in Galkayo and the Carmo base, the Puntland Cabinet issued orders barring any military forces or vehicles not belonging to Puntland’s official security institutions from operating within its territory, and resolved to refer politicians and officials accused of undermining security to the judiciary.

Calls for Dialogue and Community Involvement

The Political Council warned that unilateral efforts to disarm federal-aligned forces could spark a broader conflict, and stressed that any disarmament process must be based on community consent, broad consultation, and clear legal frameworks that ensure fairness and public trust.

“The council recommends that any disarmament process must be based on community consensus, broad consultation, and clear principles that ensure fairness, equality, and public trust, and that it does not become a source of civil conflict,” the statement said.

Traditional elders in the Karkaar region have been mediating between the two sides since the standoff began. The Political Council endorsed these efforts and called for them to be given priority over military options.

The council also noted that Puntland continues to face significant security threats from Al-Shabaab and ISIS in the Cal Miskaad mountains, and warned that internal conflict could provide opportunities for militant groups to exploit the situation.

Tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government have been escalating for months, with Puntland sending additional troops to major cities and barring federal-linked troops from moving through its territory.

Puntland has previously accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of arming militias to destabilise the region and has issued formal warnings to Galmudug State, urging it not to allow its airports and territory to be used for the transit of military supplies.

Critical Note

The standoff in Karkaar highlights the fragility of Somalia’s federal arrangements and the deep mistrust between Puntland and the Federal Government. While Puntland has legitimate concerns about armed groups operating outside its command, the lack of a clear legal framework for the status of federal-aligned forces in regional states has created a dangerous ambiguity that risks escalating into wider conflict.

The Political Council’s call for dialogue and community involvement reflects a recognition that military solutions alone will not resolve the underlying political issues. However, the Federal Government’s continued silence on the status of these forces and its failure to engage in meaningful dialogue with Puntland has allowed suspicions to fester. Both sides must urgently engage in negotiations to prevent a return to the violence that has plagued the region in the past. The people of Puntland, who have endured years of instability, deserve peace and stability, not renewed confrontation.