By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Authorities in Puntland have deployed military forces to several parts of the Sool region in an effort to prevent voter registration for the one-person, one-vote elections initiated by Somalia’s federal government and the newly declared Northeastern administration.
Residents confirmed to Horn Africa News that Puntland forces entered Boocame district and the nearby Falariyale area, where both federal and Northeastern electoral commissions had begun the registration exercise.
Both locations are considered the political stronghold of Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, who has openly opposed the registration process. According to local sources, Mr. Lugatoor is mobilizing clan-based militias and has vowed to resist any attempts by electoral officials to proceed with the voter enrollment.
The vice president recently toured the contested districts, reiterating that they are part of Puntland territory. During his visit, he laid foundation stones for several development projects funded by his administration, signaling Puntland’s continued authority over the area.
These developments have heightened fears of potential armed clashes between Puntland and the Northeastern administration, which declared autonomy earlier this year with support from Mogadishu.
Just last week, Northeastern President Abdikadir Ahmed Firdhiye, together with Somalia’s Minister of Interior, officially launched voter registration for upcoming local elections in Las Anod.
Puntland leaders have firmly rejected the establishment of the Northeastern state and remain locked in disputes with the federal government over both territorial boundaries and competing electoral models.
