Puntland President Gives Nugaal Elders Critical Mission as Garowe Faces Risk of Renewed Crisis

Garowe (WDN) – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has entrusted traditional elders from the Nugaal region with what many observers describe as one of the most consequential mediation efforts in Puntland’s recent history, warning that the future stability of Garowe may hinge on their ability to reach an agreement with General Jimcaale Jama Takar.

According to sources familiar with the closed-door meeting held on Monday evening, President Deni presented the elders with two options that he wants them to convey to General Jimcaale in an effort to avert a potentially dangerous security confrontation in the Puntland capital.

The first option would see General Jimcaale abandon his reported alignment with the Federal Government and instead accept the post of Commander of the Puntland Darawish Forces, bringing his military influence under Puntland’s command structure.

The second option would require the general to relocate outside Garowe and establish himself in one of three designated locations—Dangorayo, Kalabayr, or Rabaable—thereby easing what Puntland authorities view as an increasingly sensitive security situation in the capital.