GURI’EL, Somalia — A prominent Galmudug elder has warned of possible security consequences from the deployment of Somali government forces to areas in Galmudug, alleging that the troops were being prepared to destabilise Puntland.
Ugaas Ali Dhoof, a traditional elder from Galmudug, told Shabelle TV that thousands of newly trained recruits had been transported to Gaalkacyo, raising concerns over possible tensions between the neighbouring administrations.
“Three thousand young men trained in Galmudug were brought to Galkayo recently. Galmudug people depend on the port of Bosaso, and today President Hassan Sheikh is closing it off from us,” Dhoof said.
Speaking from Guri’el, Dhoof warned residents of Galmudug that any conflict would not be limited to Puntland but could affect several regional administrations, including the newborn Northeastern State, Puntland, Galmudug and Hirshabelle, which he said rely on Bosaso port for trade and supplies.
In addition, Elder Ali Dhoof accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of creating hostility between Puntland and Galmudug, which are neighbouring Federal States in Somalia.
“Two years ago, I warned about the danger posed by Hassan Sheikh. He wants to carry out against the Somali people what the Nazis did to the Jews in Germany; this must be prevented,” Dhoof said.
He also alleged that the federal government had transported troops by aircraft to Dhusamareb and Galkayo, including areas under Galmudug’s control, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of creating divisions between Puntland and Galmudug.
Puntland has accused the Galmudug administration of cooperating with the Federal Government of Somalia in organising militias inside Galmudug territory that it claims are intended to threaten Puntland’s security.
In a statement, Puntland called on Galmudug to refrain from such actions and instead focus on strengthening good neighbourly relations, security cooperation and stability between the two administrations.
The allegations come amid growing political tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Puntland, which have been at odds over security, governance and national political issues.
