Somalia: Puntland Pursues Disarmament of Federal-Aligned Forces After Taking Control of Former PSF Base

Traditional elders from several parts of Puntland have held discussions with the regional government after authorities issued a 48-hour ultimatum ordering forces that recently aligned themselves with Somalia’s Federal Government to surrender and integrate into Puntland’s security forces.

Sources in Garowe told local media that elders from the Bari, Nugal and Mudug regions have been in contact with Puntland officials and military commanders to discuss the implications of the order and the future of federal-aligned forces stationed in their communities.

The discussions are reportedly aimed at preventing military confrontations against bases used by federal-aligned forces in Galkayo, Garowe and Carmo, as the deadline set by Puntland authorities nears its expiry.

The Puntland government and traditional leaders are continuing negotiations over how the forces could be incorporated into Puntland’s security institutions. However, significant disagreements are said to remain at some military camps over the proposed arrangements.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni recently warned that legal action would be taken against all members of Somalia’s Federal Government-affiliated forces operating in Puntland if they failed to join the regional security forces within the two-day deadline.

Puntland Takes Control of Former PSF Headquarters in Bosaso

On Thursday, Puntland’s Defence Forces Command confirmed that regional authorities had taken control of a military base in Bosaso previously occupied by members of the Puntland Security Force (PSF) who had recently declared allegiance to Somalia’s Federal Government.

The withdrawal of PSF personnel from their main headquarters in Bosaso was reportedly achieved through clan-mediated negotiations aimed at preventing violence in Puntland’s commercial capital.

In a statement, Puntland’s military command said the takeover of the Bosaso base formed part of a wider security operation that began the previous day in Galkayo. The regional government said the operation targets all armed forces operating inside Puntland that are not under its command.

The Puntland Defence Forces called on all armed personnel and individuals still operating in different parts of the region to surrender to the Puntland authorities and take advantage of what it described as an opportunity to return to the legal framework.

The regional government also warned that anyone found sheltering or assisting armed personnel leaving Puntland-controlled areas could face legal consequences in accordance with the law.

/HM