MOGADISHU, Somalia — August 5, 2026 —Jubbaland has publicly declared its full support for Puntland amid escalating tensions between the Puntland administration and Somalia’s Federal Government, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of fueling political conflict by deploying state security institutions for political purposes rather than focusing on the fight against Al-Shabaab and other militant groups.

The statement marks one of the strongest expressions of solidarity between two of Somalia’s federal member states since Puntland launched a series of security measures following recent clashes involving security forces in Bosaso and other parts of the region. It also reflects widening political divisions over security, federalism, and the role of national security institutions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Jubbaland administration said it fully supports Puntland and praised the regional government’s recent actions.

According to the statement, Jubbaland accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of escalating armed political tensions that it said risk undermining Somalia’s stability and delaying efforts to rebuild state institutions.

Jubbaland further alleged that weapons and government security forces were being used to pursue political objectives instead of concentrating on military operations against terrorist organizations operating in Somalia.

The regional administration did not provide evidence to support its allegations, and Somalia’s Federal Government had not immediately responded publicly to Jubbaland’s claims.

Jubbaland also commended Puntland’s government and residents, saying they had acted to defend their constitutional rights, regional institutions, and internal unity during the recent security developments.

Puntland’s Recent Security Measures

Jubbaland’s statement comes shortly after Puntland authorities announced a series of security measures following days of heightened tensions.

Earlier, Puntland ordered individuals within its territory who claim affiliation with Somalia’s Federal Government security institutions to report to the nearest Puntland security facilities within 48 hours and surrender their weapons.

The Puntland administration also announced that unauthorized firearms outside the official state security structure would no longer be permitted, saying weapons held by individuals or groups outside Puntland’s recognized security institutions would be confiscated.

The announcement followed reports that Puntland security forces had detained Col. Cabdiqaadir Shiine, identified by local security sources as the deputy commander of Somalia’s Federal Police JET special unit. Security sources said the U.S.-trained unit consisted of approximately 70 to 80 officers. Puntland authorities have not publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding the detention, while the Federal Government has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Government Response

As of publication, Somalia’s Federal Government had not formally responded to Jubbaland’s latest accusations or to Puntland’s recent security actions.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly stated in previous public remarks that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening national security institutions and continuing military operations against Al-Shabaab.

Federal officials have also consistently maintained that Somalia’s security forces operate under constitutional authority and are tasked with protecting national security.

Relations between Somalia’s Federal Government and both Puntland and Jubbaland have remained strained over several political and constitutional issues.

The disagreements have included disputes over constitutional amendments, the distribution of powers between Mogadishu and federal member states, electoral arrangements, security command structures, and the management of national armed forces.

Both Puntland and Jubbaland have previously accused the Federal Government of centralizing authority and interfering in regional affairs. Federal officials have rejected such accusations, arguing that national institutions must function under a unified constitutional framework.

The latest exchange comes during a period of heightened security concerns as Somalia continues military operations against Al-Shabaab in several regions while also managing political disagreements among federal and regional leaders.

Analysts have warned that political disputes involving security institutions could complicate ongoing counterterrorism efforts if cooperation between the Federal Government and federal member states weakens.

It remains unclear whether direct talks will take place between Mogadishu, Puntland, and Jubbaland to ease the growing tensions.

Observers will closely watch whether the Federal Government responds to the latest accusations and whether Puntland’s recent security directives lead to additional arrests or negotiations involving federal personnel operating in the region.

The developments are also expected to be closely monitored by Somalia’s international partners, many of whom have consistently urged dialogue, cooperation, and coordination between the Federal Government and federal member states to maintain security gains against militant groups.

The latest statement from Jubbaland demonstrates that the political dispute is no longer limited to Puntland and the Federal Government. Public backing from another federal member state could deepen divisions within Somalia’s federal system if the disagreements remain unresolved.

The dispute also raises concerns about coordination between federal and regional security forces at a time when Somalia continues military operations against Al-Shabaab. Any deterioration in cooperation could affect planning, intelligence sharing, and joint security operations.