Somalia’s Defense Minister Weighs in on Puntland Again

Mogadishu (WDN) – Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has once again stepped into a politically charged debate far beyond the traditional remit of his ministry, dismissing reports that the Federal Government is conducting military operations against Puntland in the divided city of Galkayo.

The remarks are the latest in a long series of public interventions by Fiqi on virtually every major political controversy in Somalia—a habit that has earned him a reputation among many Somalis as one of the government’s most outspoken political spokespersons rather than simply its defense chief.

Critics often joke that no national issue is complete until Fiqi comments on it. Addressing tensions in Puntland, the minister rejected allegations that Mogadishu is orchestrating military activities aimed at destabilizing the regional state. “There is no operation being conducted by the Federal Government against Puntland,” Fiqi said, urging both sides to preserve peace in Galkayo. He noted that the city had remained free from major conflict for the past eight years, arguing that its last significant unrest occurred during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s previous administration.

Rather than substantively and constructive addressing the issue, Fiqi claimed that the current tensions stem from Puntland opposition groups, whom he alleged have established bases in and around Galkayo. He also denied persistent accusations that the Federal Government has supplied weapons, logistics, or military support to those groups through neighboring Galmudug. Those denials, however, are unlikely to settle the growing political controversy.