Gaalkacyo, Puntland – The Puntland government has dispatched a high-level delegation to the city of Gaalkacyo in the Mudug region following growing public protests over alleged governmental neglect and the suspension of several key development projects, particularly those funded by the Federal Government of Somalia.
The delegation, led by senior Puntland ministers and advisors, held a series of meetings with local elders, youth groups, and civil society representatives to address widespread frustrations over stalled infrastructure projects and declining public services. The move comes after days of public demonstrations in Gaalkacyo and surrounding areas, where residents demanded immediate action and transparency.
In their public remarks, Puntland officials acknowledged the grievances and assured the community that suspended projects would resume. The delegation emphasized that the resumption of the main Gaalkacyo road construction project—a critical federal-funded initiative—was the top priority, pledging immediate mobilization of resources to restart the work.
“We understand the pain and frustration of the people of Mudug. The road project will resume without delay, and we are committed to finding long-term, sustainable solutions to the region’s infrastructure and development challenges,” said one senior official in a press briefing.
In addition to roadworks, the delegation pledged to address the broader neglect felt by the residents, including gaps in healthcare, education, and water access. They vowed to enhance coordination with the Federal Government and international partners to ensure project continuity and equitable development across all regions of Puntland.
Local leaders welcomed the visit but emphasized that follow-through will be the key to restoring trust. “We’ve heard promises before,” one community elder said. “What we need now is action, not words.”
This visit marks a critical test for the Puntland government’s commitment to inclusive development as tensions simmer over regional disparities and the effectiveness of federal-state cooperation. Analysts say how swiftly and transparently the pledged actions are implemented will shape public confidence in the months ahead.