Friday February 21, 2025
FILE - Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi (left) and Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni (right). Fiqi has accused Deni of rejecting federal military support in Puntland’s fight against ISIS, escalating tensions between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous region.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has reportedly rejected an offer of military and logistical support from Somalia's federal government to bolster efforts against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in the northeastern region, according to a statement made by Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi on Friday.
Fiqi stated that Mogadishu had proposed providing weapons, medical aid, and military supplies to support Puntland's counterterrorism operations. However, he claimed that Deni refused the assistance, shutting down all efforts at cooperation.
"The Somali government extended its hand to Puntland, offering medical evacuations for the wounded and additional military reinforcements, but President Deni categorically declined," Fiqi said during a press briefing. "Despite multiple attempts to establish a collaborative approach, every effort has been blocked."
Puntland authorities have previously accused the federal government of neglecting the fight against ISIS, arguing that Mogadishu has deliberately distanced itself from security operations in the Cal Miskaad mountains of the Bari region. The rugged terrain has allowed ISIS militants to entrench themselves, launching attacks against Puntland security forces and local communities.
Somali political figures have increasingly criticized the federal government's handling of security cooperation and governance, particularly in Puntland's fight against ISIS. Former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo have publicly called on Mogadishu to provide greater military and political support to Puntland and other Federal Member States (FMS) in counterterrorism efforts.
Their concerns align with broader grievances about the federal government's centralization of power. In January 2025, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur, and Senator Abdi Ismail Samatar accused the federal government of unilaterally pushing electoral reforms without sufficient consultation with regional administrations. They warned that implementing a one-person, one-vote system without a national consensus could exacerbate political divisions, further straining relations between Mogadishu and regional governments.
The dispute spotlights the long-standing political and security tensions between Puntland and the federal government. In April 2024, Puntland declared it would operate independently from Mogadishu until Somalia's constitution was revised and ratified through a national referendum. The region accused the federal government of undermining its autonomy and has since pursued policies that distance it from Mogadishu's authority.
Puntland's rejection of federal assistance also comes amid its ongoing military campaign, Operation Hilaac, against ISIS militants entrenched in the Al Miskaad mountains of the Bari region. Since November 2024, Puntland forces have reclaimed approximately 250 square kilometres of territory, destroyed 50 militant bases, and captured key ISIS operatives responsible for extortion and bombings in Bosaso.
Despite these gains, Puntland officials have accused the federal government of failing to provide critical military support, including weapons and ammunition, to troops battling ISIS.
Mogadishu has firmly pushed back against Puntland’s claims, emphasizing that the federal government has consistently supported security efforts across all regions. In a statement, the federal government rejected the notion that it had neglected Puntland’s counterterrorism operations and instead accused Deni’s administration of obstructing federal initiatives.
Beyond security cooperation, Puntland and the federal government have clashed over economic and governance issues. In December 2024, Puntland announced plans to introduce its own regional currency by 2025, citing economic challenges and dissatisfaction with the Somali shilling's volatility.
The two sides have also locked horns over resource control, with Puntland rejecting federal claims over oil exploration rights. In October 2024, Puntland dismissed accusations that it was obstructing federal efforts to manage oil reserves, arguing that it was committed to a transparent resource-sharing framework that respects Somalia's unity.
Deni has not publicly commented on Fiqi's remarks, but Puntland has historically been wary of federal intervention in regional security matters. The lack of coordination between Somalia's federal and regional forces has raised concerns among security experts, who warn that fragmentation in counterterrorism efforts could allow militant groups to expand their foothold in the region.
ISIS operates separately from the al-Shabab insurgency but has engaged in sporadic clashes with both Puntland troops and al-Shabab fighters.
Puntland, in northeastern Somalia, has been battling ISIS-affiliated fighters in the mountainous terrain of Bari for several years. The ISIS faction in Puntland, which pledged allegiance to the group in 2015, has remained active despite repeated offensives by regional forces. Unlike al-Shabab, which is primarily active in central and southern Somalia, the ISIS faction in Puntland has established a base in the Al Miskaad mountains, where it has launched periodic attacks on Puntland security forces and extorted local businesses.