MOGADISHU — Gen. Jimale Jama Takar, a former member of Somalia’s federal government, has announced that he has left the Federal Government and joined Puntland.
Gen. Takar said he firmly stands with Puntland and is prepared to defend the regional administration. His remarks come amid ongoing political and security tensions between Somalia’s Federal Government and some of the country’s federal member states.
“We were Puntland, and we will remain Puntland,” Gen. Takar said, reaffirming his position and support for Puntland.
Despite declaring his support for Puntland, Gen. Takar stressed that his position does not mean he has abandoned the principle of Somalia’s national unity. He said his broader objective remains a united Somalia with a strong Somali government.
“My ultimate goal is a united Somalia,” he said, emphasizing that his support for Puntland and his commitment to Somalia’s unity are not contradictory.
Gen. Takar’s decision to leave the Federal Government and align himself with Puntland comes at a sensitive time in Somalia’s political landscape, with disagreements continuing over power-sharing, elections, constitutional issues, security responsibilities and relations between the federal government and member states.
His move could also have political and security implications for Puntland, particularly given his previous experience within Somalia’s federal institutions.
The general, however, sought to distinguish his political alignment with Puntland from the broader question of Somalia’s unity, maintaining that he supports Puntland while also advocating for a united and stable Somalia.
Gen. Jimale Jama Takar says he will stand with Puntland, while maintaining that his ultimate objective remains a united Somalia.
