Puntland President Blames Mogadishu for Galkayo Clashes, Warns Against Federal Interference

Garowe (WDN) – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has sharply accused Somalia’s Federal Government of fueling instability in Puntland , following Wednesday’s armed clashes in Galkayo between Puntland security forces and the Puntland Security Forces (PSF), a militia aligned with the Federal Government.

Speaking shortly after the fighting, Deni placed direct responsibility for the violence on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reiterating earlier accusations that the Federal Government had transported weapons into the Mudug region in an effort to ignite conflict between Puntland and neighboring Galmudug.

The Puntland leader warned that his administration would not tolerate the existence of armed forces operating within Puntland while taking orders from authorities outside the state. “Puntland will never accept forces that are commanded from elsewhere,” Deni declared, emphasizing that such formations would be confronted and dismantled.

Referring to Puntland’s military operation against the PSF base in Galkayo earlier in the day, Deni described the offensive as a clear warning to any group seeking to operate against Puntland’s authority or security. “The operation carried out this morning is a message to anyone acting against Puntland,” he said, signaling that his administration is prepared to take decisive action against armed groups it considers a threat to the state’s stability.