GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland authorities say armed forces previously aligned with Somalia’s federal government have agreed to join the Puntland Defence Force, in a move that could further deepen political and security tensions between Puntland and the federal government.
Wararka Soomaaliya
The forces, which had recently been stationed in the Kuur-ilaalo area of Rako-Raaxo district, agreed to join Puntland’s security forces following mediation by traditional elders and politicians from Bari region, according to a statement issued by Puntland authorities.
The authorities said the fighters would be incorporated into the formal structure of the Puntland Defence Force following registration, training and restructuring. The process is intended to bring the forces under Puntland’s military regulations, disciplinary procedures and chain of command.
“The armed militias stationed in the Kuur-ilaalo area of Rako-Raaxo district have agreed to join the Puntland Defence Force,” the Puntland administration said in a statement. “They will be incorporated into the formal structure of the force and undergo registration, training and restructuring.”
Faahfaahinta
The development comes amid continuing disputes between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government over political authority and security arrangements.
Former PSF forces moved to Carmo
Separately, Puntland has transferred former members of the Puntland Security Force (PSF) to the Somali Police Force training college in Carmo.
Saamaynta
The forces were taken over by Puntland at a former PSF base in the port city of Bosaso following an agreement between the Puntland administration and the officers who had been leading the force.
The troops are expected to undergo restructuring and training before being formally integrated into the Puntland Defence Force. Authorities say they will subsequently operate under the force’s established command structure and regulations.
The developments represent a further consolidation of Puntland’s security forces at a time of heightened political tensions between the regional administration and the federal government in Mogadishu.
Wararka.so waxay kuu soo tebineysaa wararka ugu dambeeyey ee Soomaaliya iyo caalamka. Si aad ula socoto wararkii ugu dambeeyey, booqo boggayaga.
