Garowe, Somalia — The Puntland regional administration has strongly rejected the recently formed Northeastern regional administration, claiming jurisdiction over the northern Somali regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Buuhoodle.
Speaker of the Puntland Parliament, Abdirisaq Ahmed Mohamed (Qaraaje), described the new entity as a short-sighted political project aimed at sowing discord among communities traditionally united in defending their territories.
“It is regrettable to see attempts to pit communities who have jointly defended their lands against common challenges. We will closely monitor the operations of this administration established in Las Anod. Sanaag region has never been ruled by an externally imposed authority,” Qaraaje said during a parliamentary session in Garoowe.
He further noted that Puntland had previously recognized the SSC-Khaatumo administration due to the wartime circumstances then prevailing, but now views the emergence of Waqooyi Bari as a direct assault on Puntland’s unity.
Qaraaje also accused the Federal Government of Somalia of trying to fragment the country by encouraging regional divisions, warning that such moves risk igniting conflict among the Somali people.
The remarks come as politicians affiliated with the new administration announced plans to visit Sanaag and Buuhoodle to extend their administrative activities in the area, signaling escalating tensions in the northern regions.
