Somalia: Federal Government Undermining Puntland Unity, Minister Says After Deadly Clashes

GAROWE, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has been blamed for ongoing clashes in Dhahar city within the Sanaag region under Puntland state, which have left dozens of people and regional forces dead in what authorities have termed as 'unnecessary deaths'.

For the second day, clan militias loyal to Makhir state continued to unleash on Puntland forces in the region, with several Puntland soldiers caught in the fights. The total number of those killed is yet to be confirmed. Some estimated more than a dozen. 

Mohamed Abdirahman, Puntland’s minister for Environment and Climate Change, accused the federal government of precipitation the conflict, arguing that the move amounts to undermining Puntland's authority.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the fallen Puntland soldiers who tragically died in yesterday’s Dhahar clashes. May Allah have mercy on them and grant patience to their families," he said.

"It’s deeply troubling that the FGS continues to incite division in the region. Undermining Puntland’s unity for short-term political interests is a grave mistake—far greater than any individual or government in office."

The conflict, the Puntland says, is a strategy by the federal government to undermine the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants within the Cal-Miskaad mountains, where the FGS has not shown any commitment to assist local forces.

The fighting coincides with a clan conference currently underway in Lasanod, where members of the Warsangeli and Dhulbahante clans—primarily residing in the Sool and Sanaag regions—are discussing the formation of a new federal member state.

The Somali government is pushing for the creation of a new state in the region — SSC-Khatumo, but several traditional elders have castigated the move, insisting that they were not consulted by those involved in the actions.

GAROWE ONLINE