MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 21, 2026 — A group of Somali federal lawmakers from Puntland and Jubbaland has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of bearing responsibility for the recent fighting in the Laag area near Bosaso, alleging that his administration has contributed to political instability and insecurity in Puntland. The accusations were made in a joint statement issued on Tuesday following the latest clashes in the Bari region.
Federal Lawmakers Accuse President Hassan Sheikh of Inciting Conflict in Puntland After Laag Clashes
A bloc of members of Somalia’s 11th Federal Parliament representing Puntland and Jubbaland has issued a strongly worded statement blaming President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the recent security crisis in Puntland following fighting in the Laag area outside Bosaso.
In the statement, dated July 21, 2026, the lawmakers alleged that President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has failed to confront what they described as extremist threats while instead pursuing policies that have fueled internal political divisions, tribal tensions, and armed conflict in peaceful areas of Puntland.
The legislators claimed that the Federal Government’s actions have undermined stability by encouraging unrest and weakening security in regions that had previously remained relatively peaceful. These allegations have not been independently verified.
According to the statement, the lawmakers said the recent developments represent a continuation of political disputes that have increasingly strained relations between the Federal Government and Puntland.
Lawmakers’ Allegations
The statement accuses the Federal Government of pursuing policies that have contributed to conflict rather than national reconciliation.
The lawmakers alleged that Somalia has not previously witnessed a government that, in their view, had simultaneously failed to confront armed militant groups while allowing insecurity to spread, encouraging clan divisions, and contributing to violence in federal member states.
They further claimed that similar political tensions had previously affected Jubbaland and are now unfolding in Puntland.
The legislators also alleged that armed groups involved in the recent tensions had been mobilized from Mogadishu, accusing President Hassan Sheikh’s administration of attempting to destabilize Puntland. The Federal Government has not publicly responded to those claims, and they remain unverified.
Appeal to Puntland Security Forces and Residents
The lawmakers praised Puntland’s security forces for what they described as their efforts to repel armed groups involved in the recent confrontation.
They also urged Puntland residents to remain united, protect peace and stability in their communities, and reject any attempts to create further insecurity or division within the region.
According to the statement, maintaining unity among Puntland’s population is essential to preventing additional violence and preserving regional stability.
Government Response
As of publication, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Federal Government had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in the lawmakers’ statement.
Federal authorities have also not released a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the fighting in the Laag area.
Relations between Somalia’s Federal Government and Puntland have remained tense over the past several years due to disagreements over constitutional amendments, the distribution of powers between Mogadishu and the Federal Member States, security arrangements, and electoral reforms.
Puntland has repeatedly opposed several constitutional and political initiatives introduced by the Federal Government, arguing that they lacked broad national consensus.
Jubbaland has also expressed concerns over some Federal Government policies, particularly regarding federalism and governance.
The latest statement reflects continuing political divisions between Mogadishu and leaders and lawmakers from the two Federal Member States.
The accusations come at a time of heightened political and security tensions following the fighting near Bosaso.
It remains unclear whether the statement will lead to renewed political engagement between the Federal Government and Puntland authorities.
Political observers say dialogue between federal and regional leaders will likely be necessary to prevent further escalation and restore confidence between Somalia’s federal institutions.
The statement highlights the deepening political divide between Somalia’s Federal Government and some Federal Member States, particularly Puntland. Public accusations from members of the Federal Parliament illustrate the growing challenges facing Somalia’s federal political system.
The allegations, if left unresolved through political dialogue, could further complicate cooperation on national security, constitutional reforms, and governance. However, the claims made by the lawmakers represent their position and have not been independently verified.
