MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 25, 2026 — The Puntland regional government has announced that a force known as the Puntland Security Force (PSF) is not legally part of Puntland’s official defence forces, as authorities accused Somalia’s Federal Government of engaging in activities they said could threaten Puntland’s stability.
The statement, issued by Puntland authorities, said the regional administration is closely monitoring what it described as military movements linked to Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alleging that the actions are intended to create conflict and weaken Puntland’s governing institutions.
Puntland officials did not provide specific details about the alleged military activities but said the government remains committed to protecting its territory and maintaining its administrative authority.
In the statement, Puntland said there is no military unit officially registered as the PSF within the Puntland Defence Forces structure.
“The Puntland government confirms that there is no force called PSF that is legally affiliated with the Puntland Defence Forces,” the administration said.
Puntland also stated that there are no military forces registered under Somalia’s Federal Government operating in territories administered by Puntland.
The declaration comes amid longstanding disagreements between Puntland and Somalia’s federal authorities over security control, constitutional issues, and the management of national institutions.
Puntland has previously expressed concerns over what it considers federal government interference in regional affairs, while Somalia’s federal authorities have maintained that national security matters fall under the authority of the central government.
Government Response and Message to Galmudug
Puntland directed a message toward neighbouring Galmudug State and the international community, calling on Galmudug authorities to prevent military supplies and armed groups from passing through airports and territories under their administration if they are intended to target Puntland.
The Puntland government said its relationship with Galmudug has historically been based on cooperation, security coordination, and peaceful coexistence between neighbouring communities.
Officials urged Galmudug to preserve existing relations and avoid actions that could increase tensions between the two regions.
Puntland also appealed to residents to protect their territory and maintain their state institutions.
“The people of Puntland should safeguard their land and their statehood,” the statement said.
Relations between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government have experienced repeated tensions in recent years, particularly over political reforms, security responsibilities, and disputes surrounding Somalia’s federal system.
Puntland, established in 1998 as an autonomous administration in northeastern Somalia, has maintained its own security forces while remaining part of the Somali federal system.
The Puntland Security Force, commonly known as PSF, has historically been associated with counterterrorism operations and security activities in Puntland. The status, command structure, and political affiliation of security units have previously been subjects of dispute among Somali political actors.
Security arrangements in Somalia remain sensitive due to ongoing threats from armed groups, including Al-Shabaab, and continued efforts to strengthen coordination between federal and regional security forces.
The Federal Government of Somalia has been working to unify national security institutions, while regional administrations have continued to maintain authority over their own security structures under Somalia’s federal framework.
The dispute over security forces could have wider implications for Somalia’s political stability if disagreements between Puntland and the federal government continue to escalate.
Security cooperation between Somalia’s federal and regional authorities is considered important in addressing threats from armed groups and maintaining stability in areas affected by insecurity.
For civilians in Puntland and neighbouring regions, prolonged political disputes between authorities could affect security coordination, governance, and development efforts if they lead to further tensions.
It remains unclear whether Puntland and the Federal Government will engage in dialogue over the status of security forces and military movements.
Observers say continued communication between federal and regional authorities will be important to prevent political disagreements from affecting security cooperation.
