Tuesday April 14, 2026
Garowe (HOL) — Puntland’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Hirsii Ali Qarjab, on Monday accused Somalia’s federal government of waging a political and security campaign against the semi-autonomous state.
Speaking to reporters, Qarjab said Puntland is closely monitoring the national situation and is prepared to defend its territory if necessary.
The minister alleged that Puntland has faced sustained pressure for more than a year and a half, describing the situation as one of “war and oppression.” He accused the federal government of failing to provide meaningful support and of interfering in ways that undermine Somalia’s federal system.
Qarjab said Puntland has increasingly moved toward self-reliance, arguing that it has not received the political or financial backing it expected from Mogadishu.
Tensions between Puntland and the federal government have escalated over the past three years, largely centered on disputes over constitutional amendments, resource-sharing arrangements and the balance of power between the central government and federal member states.
Puntland leaders have repeatedly warned against what they see as efforts to centralize authority in Mogadishu, while federal officials maintain that reforms are necessary to strengthen national governance and unity.
