Somalia: Tensions Flare as FGS Labels Puntland’s Ship Seizure “Hijacking”, Rekindling Old Rifts  

GAROWE, Somalia - The old wounds between Garowe and Mogadishu may reopen following a statement issued by Somali authorities, who termed the recent confiscation of an unidentified vessel within Bareeda District as 'hijacking' in what could further increase tensions.

Both the regional government of Puntland and the federal government in Mogadishu have been treating each other with suspicion, and it has taken over three days for the central administration to state the seizure of the Sea World vessel.

In a tough-worded statement, Wednesday, Somalia condemned what it called the “hijacking” of a ship carrying weapons and other goods en route to Mogadishu, revealing for the first time the ownership and intent hours after investigations by Puntland authorities.

The government said the shipment is legally authorised and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Sea World ship detained by Puntland authorities last week. The ship had been rerouted to Bosaso, the commercial capital of Puntland.

Federal authorities in Somalia stated that the ship was carrying military equipment for the Turkish-Somali training facility in Mogadishu, by the country’s laws and defense cooperation between Somalia and Turkey. Turkey trains the elite Gorgor troops in Somalia.

The government claimed the detention of the ship “constitutes an act of 'piracy” and warned it could take action against maritime zones and coastal landing sites that “serve as hubs for acts of piracy.”

However, on Tuesday, Puntland police stated that authorities had confirmed the vessel, Sea World, had been released after thorough investigations revealed it was not carrying unwanted cargo, as initially suspected by locals and the media fraternity.

The police also confirmed that another ship was recently seized after it was found carrying illegal weapons. Authorities stated that the vessel is under the control of security forces, and a thorough investigation is underway. No further details will be released until the investigation is complete, they said.

On Sea World, the issue is not a direct arms embargo violation, but rather a breach of specific conditions under which the embargo was lifted on Somalia, a source told Garowe Online. This is reportedly why the Federal Government has remained silent on the SEA WORLD vessel.

Puntland and Jubaland accuse the federal government of concentrating on "non-issues" at a time the country is facing terrorism threats. Puntland Interior Minister Juha said: "Puntland and Jubaland are fighting terrorism, but President Hassan Sheikh is fighting his people."

The events come at a time when Puntland forces are actively involved in the fight against ISIS militants in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, with Jubaland forces also in pursuit of Al-Shabaab within the Middle and Lower Jubba regions. Their efforts have often been derailed by political wrangles inflicted by the federal government.

GAROWE ONLINE