Nugaal Elders Publicly Back Danab Commander After Mediation Collapses

Garowe (WDN) – In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the deepening political tensions in Puntland, traditional elders from the Nugaal region on Tuesday publicly presented camels to the Danab Special Forces stationed at the Lilge military base outside Garowe, in what observers described as a powerful gesture of solidarity with the unit.

The elite force is commanded by Gen. Jimale Jama Takar, who was recently appointed by the Federal Government of Somalia as commander of the Somali National Army’s 54th Division covering Puntland—a move strongly opposed by the Puntland administration.

According to sources familiar with the developments, the elders’ visit followed the collapse of mediation efforts aimed at resolving the dispute between the Puntland government and Gen. Jimale. The mediation reportedly failed after no compromise could be reached with President Said Abdullahi Deni’s administration.

Sources involved in the mediation claimed that the elders concluded Gen. Jimale had shown willingness to engage, while they saw little flexibility from the Puntland side. Following the failed talks, they decided to publicly demonstrate their support for the Danab forces, arguing that the unit had been unfairly drawn into the political dispute.