Somalia: Puntland Issues Directive Restricting Operations of Non-Puntland Forces
Garowe, Puntland — 18 June 2026: The Puntland regional government has announced new restrictions on military activity within its territory, stating that forces not affiliated with Puntland authorities will not be permitted to operate or conduct movements across the region. The decision was issued following a meeting of Puntland’s Council of Ministers held on Thursday and chaired by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, alongside Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor. The council stated that Puntland does not currently consider itself part of the Somali National Army framework until outstanding political and constitutional issues between Puntland and the Federal Government are resolved.
As part of the directive, Puntland instructed all security and justice institutions under its authority to prevent the presence, transit, or deployment of military personnel and vehicles not operating under Puntland administration within its territory. According to an official statement released after the meeting, the council held extensive discussions on the security situation in Puntland and reaffirmed the administration’s position regarding ongoing disagreements with Somalia’s Federal Government. Officials said these unresolved matters include broader questions surrounding the structure and formation of a federal national security system.
The government further warned that legal action would be taken against any individuals or groups found to be violating Puntland’s laws and regulations. Recently, the Federal Government announced that it had registered forces operating in areas of Puntland under its authority. Authorities also called on Puntland residents to contribute to maintaining security and safeguarding the region’s coastal areas.
The decision comes at a time of heightened tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government. Some political analysts interpret the move as an effort by Mogadishu to expand its influence over security arrangements in Puntland, although federal authorities have maintained that such measures are part of broader national security and state-building efforts.
