Puntland Cabinet Vows to Prosecute Federal Officials Over Security ‘Destabilisation’

GAROWE — The Puntland Cabinet has announced that it will refer the names of politicians, military officers, and individuals accused of undermining the region’s security and stability to the judiciary for prosecution, following a meeting chaired by President Said Abdullahi Deni on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government, following a series of security operations in Gaalkacyo and Bosaso that resulted in the capture of bases previously occupied by the federally-aligned Puntland Security Force (PSF). The Cabinet praised the security operations carried out by Puntland Defence Forces in recent days, describing them as a successful counter-operation against what it called a “planned offensive” by the Federal Government to destabilise Puntland.

The Cabinet approved harsh measures against the Federal Government, including banning all ‘non-Puntland security forces’ and vehicles from operating within the region’s territory, and ordering security agencies to take tough legal action against anyone violating Puntland’s maritime borders, including pirates and illegal fishing operations.

Referral to Judiciary and Media Crackdown

The Cabinet resolved to refer to Puntland’s judicial authorities the names of politicians, officials, and individuals accused of involvement in activities aimed at destabilising the region’s security and governance system. The decision signals an escalation in Puntland’s efforts to hold federal officials accountable for what it perceives as interference in its internal affairs.

In a separate move, the Cabinet also warned media outlets and social media platforms operating in Puntland to adhere to the region’s press laws and professional ethics. It resolved to take legal action against owners and users of social media platforms who have been spreading what it described as unsubstantiated information aimed at tarnishing Puntland’s statehood and governance system.

The Cabinet further ordered all security forces to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution and other laws that protect human rights.

Escalating Federal-State Tensions

The Cabinet’s decisions come at a moment of heightened confrontation between Puntland and Mogadishu. On Wednesday, August 5, Puntland forces overran a PSF base in Gaalkacyo, arresting commanders and seizing weapons and military equipment, including items that Puntland claimed were part of a donation from the Chinese government to the Somali Police Force.

On Thursday, Puntland forces took control of another PSF base in Bosaso, further consolidating the region’s authority over military assets loyal to the Federal Government. Puntland has previously accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of arming militias to destabilise the region, warning that the Federal Government was seeking to create instability in the Mudug region and undermine Puntland’s authority.

President Deni has accused President Mohamud of breaking the country apart and warned that policies backed by allies of the president threaten to fracture Somalia regionally. The Cabinet’s latest decisions reflect a hardening of Puntland’s stance, signalling that the region is prepared to take unilateral action to defend what it views as its autonomy and statehood.

The Cabinet has previously issued ultimatums to the Federal Government demanding the withdrawal of federally-aligned forces from Puntland’s territory, accusing Mogadishu of undermining the federal system and destabilising the region.

Appeal to the Public

The Cabinet concluded by calling on the people of Puntland to play an active role in protecting security, stability, and social cohesion, in order to strengthen peace and the statehood of Puntland.

The Puntland Defence Forces have also appealed to the public to cooperate with security agencies and to report any information related to groups or individuals involved in destabilising activities by calling the emergency number 999, with the government guaranteeing the protection of confidentiality and the safety of informants.

Puntland has barred federal-linked troops from moving through its territory and accused Mogadishu of seeking to use federal forces to weaken security inside the region.

Critical Note

Puntland’s decision to refer federal officials to its judiciary represents an unprecedented escalation in the political and legal confrontation between the regional administration and the Federal Government. While Puntland frames these measures as necessary to protect its statehood and stability, they also reflect the deep political rift between Mogadishu and Garowe over the distribution of military authority and the presence of federal-aligned forces in Puntland’s territory. The referral of politicians and officials to the judiciary, coupled with the crackdown on media and social media, raises concerns about due process, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in the region. The Federal Government’s silence on these developments raises questions about its ability to assert authority over federal assets and personnel operating in regional states, while Puntland’s unilateral actions risk further entrenching divisions and undermining the federal system. The international community, which has invested heavily in Somalia’s stabilisation, must urgently press both sides to de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue, while also demanding accountability for the misuse of internationally donated security equipment in internal political conflicts. Without a genuine commitment from all sides to resolve their differences through peaceful means, the cycle of military confrontation and political recrimination is likely to continue, with civilian populations bearing the heaviest burden.