Puntland Submits Demands to UN Security Council Over Somalia’s Political and Security Crisis

GAROWE, Somalia (GO) — Puntland has sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council outlining concerns over Somalia’s political dispute and security situation, calling for urgent political dialogue, a review of the arms embargo and stronger direct engagement between the international community and Federal Member States.

The letter, dated September 13, 2026, and addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the president of the Security Council, said it was intended as an advance briefing ahead of the Council’s expected discussion on Somalia in October.

Puntland accused the Federal Government of undermining the federal system since 2023 and of supporting armed groups and parallel authorities within areas it considers part of its territory.

The letter specifically cited fighting in Galkayo in August, alleging that weapons were brought into South Galkayo for onward transfer to North Galkayo. Puntland said its forces subsequently arrested 101 people and seized weapons, vehicles and other equipment.

Puntland also said it had been fighting ISIS in the Cal-Miskaad mountains for the past two years without military, financial or logistical support from the Federal Government. It warned of a resurgence in piracy and called for direct international cooperation to strengthen maritime security operations.

Türkiye and coastal airstrikes

Puntland accused Turkish forces of carrying out strikes along the Jiifle and Garmaal coastlines on August 18 and 20, saying 14 Somalis were killed and fishing boats destroyed.

It said it had previously asked Türkiye to avoid harming fishermen and their property.

The letter also referred to the September 3 drone strike in Doolow, warning against the use in domestic Somali political disputes of military capabilities provided by international partners for counterterrorism operations.

Six requests to the Security Council

Puntland presented six main requests to the Security Council: support for urgent Somali political dialogue; direct engagement and support for Federal Member States; restoration of the Panel of Experts’ mandate; a review and tightening of arms restrictions; an extension of the UNTMIS mandate; and Security Council consideration of issues related to Somalia’s governance and management of resources.

Puntland warned that the continuing political dispute could lead to the establishment of a “parallel government” in Mogadishu if no agreement is reached over the country’s political and electoral process.

The letter concluded by saying Puntland remained committed to a “stable, peaceful, democratic and federal Somalia.”

Copies of the letter were sent to Security Council members, the British government, senior United Nations officials, the African Union and IGAD.

GAROWE ONLINE