Friday March 21, 2025

Bosaso (HOL) – The Puntland regional administration has accused Somalia’s Federal Government of secretly recruiting young men from its territory to serve in the country’s military without formal authorization.

Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Caydiid Dirir, said Bosaso authorities intercepted eight youths allegedly being transported out of the city to join federal armed forces without prior coordination with Puntland authorities.

“The government in Mogadishu is misleading these youths with false promises, claiming they will be involved in election-related activities,” Dirir said. “In reality, they are being sent into battle against Al-Shabaab without proper planning or strategy.”

Dirir warned young people in Puntland to avoid what he described as a reckless military campaign and called on the federal government to coordinate all recruitment efforts with regional administrations.

“We call for a unified political and military strategy, along with standardized equipment between the federal government and federal member states to effectively combat terrorist groups,” he said. “The absence of a cohesive counterterrorism plan is evident in the vicinity of Mogadishu, where trained soldiers and military equipment are concentrated without a clear directive or policy framework. A soldier operates best with a clear government plan and strong morale.”

His remarks come amid reports that the federal government has initiated recruitment drives in Garowe, Galkayo, and Bosaso, raising concerns over the transparency and legality of these enlistments.

The Somali federal government has not formally responded to Puntland’s accusations.