Monday July 6, 2026
Garowe (HOL) — A committee of politicians and business leaders from Nugaal region has helped ease tensions in Garowe after days of military movements involving Puntland forces and federal government-aligned troops on the outskirts of the city, sources said.
The committee met with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and urged him not to take military action against the forces near Garowe, according to people familiar with the mediation efforts.
The committee also contacted Gen. Jimcaale Jamaac Takar, who is currently in Las Anod and has reportedly been appointed commander of the Somali National Army’s 54th Division.
According to sources, the mediators asked Jimcaale to postpone a planned trip to Garowe to avoid triggering possible military action by Puntland forces if he entered the city.
The committee said it conveyed a message from Deni that Jimcaale should not enter Garowe at this time.
The development follows a recent decision by the Puntland Council of Ministers banning the movement of federal government officials and troops in areas under Puntland control.
Members of the mediation committee told HOL that Jimcaale agreed to delay his visit to Garowe pending the outcome of political efforts to resolve the standoff.
They said Jimcaale told them that the forces under his command were not carrying out activities against Puntland’s security and stability and had no plans for military operations inside Puntland.
The mediators are expected to meet Deni again in the coming days to present recommendations on how to resolve the situation.
Recent troop movements in and around Garowe have raised public concern and fears of a possible confrontation between Puntland forces and federal government-aligned troops.
