MOGADISHU — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has instructed regional forces to maintain heightened readiness and prepare for potential military action by Somalia’s federal government, warning against a repeat of the scenario that led to the ousting of South West State leader Abdiasis Laftagareen.
Speaking to regional security officials on Tuesday, Deni cautioned that developments in other federal member states could potentially unfold in Puntland, urging security personnel to make all necessary preparations for such an eventuality.
Accusations of Federal Overreach
Deni accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of attempting to consolidate power and dismantle the federal system that has governed Somalia for more than two decades.
“The rhetoric from Ali Wajiis, which I suspect mirrors President Hassan Sheikh’s own stance, suggests placing Puntland’s territories under direct, region-by-region federal authority,” Deni said, citing recent remarks by a pro-government religious scholar who serves as a presidential adviser according to a previous FTL Somalia report from his Qardho address.
He noted that similar messages had been conveyed previously by the president and characterized such centralization as an existential threat to the current federal system.
Concerns Over Security Apparatus
During a meeting with regional security officials, whom he commended for maintaining law and order across Puntland, Deni expressed concerns about a potential federal government initiative to weaken the region’s security apparatus.
Puntland authorities have previously accused President Mohamud of arming clan militias to destabilize and undermine the regional administration. In March, Faysal Ali Jifo-Jabsade, the Puntland governor of Mudug region, alleged that the federal government had purposefully failed to support Puntland’s military campaign against ISIS militants operating in the Al-Miskad mountains.
Deni’s latest warning also referenced attempts by Mogadishu to gain influence within Puntland’s security forces ahead of any possible move to destabilize the administration.
Escalating Political Confrontation
The Puntland leader’s directive comes amid a deepening political deadlock between Garowe and Mogadishu. Deni has vowed to remain in Mogadishu until President Mohamud’s current term concludes, a strategic decision coinciding with the formation of the Somali Future Council, a political coalition uniting Puntland and Jubaland leaders with key opposition figures.
In January, Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor accused Villa Somalia of utilizing substantial resources to destabilize the region during the final months of the current administration’s term.
“Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has roughly one hundred and ten days remaining in his term, is engaged in destructive activities,” Vice President Lugatoor stated at the time. “Consequently, we must defend ourselves.”
Security Reforms and International Support
In recent years, Deni has implemented various security reforms, dismissing several high-ranking officials and establishing a new police force responsible for protecting major urban centers throughout the region.
The United Arab Emirates has played a crucial role in modernizing Puntland’s police force, with Deni commending the UAE for its support in building an effective police force equipped to protect local communities. In August 2025, 500 newly trained police recruits graduated at a ceremony in Garowe.
The United Kingdom has also commended Puntland authorities for recent advances in the fight against ISIS-Somalia militants, with British Ambassador Charles King praising what he described as “significant progress” by Puntland’s security forces in weakening the extremist group.
Federalism Under Pressure
The escalating confrontation highlights the fragile nature of Somalia’s federal compact, established in the 2012 Provisional Constitution. Political disagreements have intensified across the country, with ongoing division and persistent disputes reinforcing concerns among many Somalis who doubt the federal system’s suitability for the nation.
As the federal government pushes for greater centralization, Puntland continues to position itself as a defender of the federal principle, insisting that Somalia’s unity must be built on mutual consent rather than imposed authority.
The federal government had not issued an immediate response to Deni’s latest remarks at the time of publication.
