By Horn Africa News Staff
Mogadishu —The Federal Government of Somalia is facing mounting accusations of covertly mobilizing militias in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in the country’s northeast. The move is alleged to be part of a broader strategy to weaken the authority of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni amid growing political tensions.
Sources within Puntland have told local media
Africa News that directives originating from Villa Somalia—the official residence of the President—have instructed local officials to organize armed groups under the guise of “community-based defense.” However, political analysts argue that the real aim is to expand the federal government’s military and political influence in the region.
“Each Puntland official has reportedly been told to recruit fighters personally loyal to them,” said one source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They’re being portrayed as local defense units to avoid immediate backlash.”
The claims, which surfaced in late June, come at a time of deepening discord between Puntland and the central government in Mogadishu. Key points of contention include the stalled federalization process, disputes over constitutional reforms, and diverging visions for Somalia’s political future.
Although President Hassan Sheikh is currently on an official trip abroad, sources allege that the militia mobilization was authorized and set in motion under his direct supervision prior to his departure.
Security experts warn that if these reports are confirmed, they could significantly heighten tensions between the central government and Puntland, with potential ramifications for Somalia’s already fragile federal system.
As of publication, neither Villa Somalia nor Puntland’s leadership has issued a formal response to the allegations. Nevertheless, the issue is drawing increased attention from regional and international observers, many of whom fear that the reported militia build-up could escalate into open conflict or trigger a wider political crisis.
“This kind of political maneuvering risks inflaming local divisions and undermining trust in the federal process,” said a political analyst based in Mogadishu. “It could push the region toward instability at a critical time.”
