File Photo/Somali Times
There is currently a sense of security tension and conflicting military activities in the regions of Puntland, which are based on the political conflict between the Puntland administration and the former president Somalia Hassan Sheikh.
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The Puntland administration has significantly tightened security in the major cities of Garowe, Galkayo and Bosaso. Additional troops and military vehicles have been deployed at checkpoints and entry points to these cities, in order to control the movement of weapons and troops.
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This step came after the Puntland Council of Ministers issued a strict order prohibiting forces under the command of the Federal Government of Somalia from crossing into Puntland areas.
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This decision shows the distrust that has arisen and the direct opposition to the military influence of the central government in Puntland.
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Meanwhile, units of the federal government forces that were already in and around the cities of Galkayo, Garowe and Bosaso have begun preparations and military activities. This has raised fears of a clash between local Puntland and federal forces, as both sides are on high alert.
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Gen. Jimale’s appointment and the military equipment plan
The crux of this new tension is largely linked to the recent appointment by the Federal Government of Somalia of Gen. Jimale Jama Takar as Commander of the 54th Division based in Garowe. The federal government’s plan is to bring all federal forces in Puntland under a single command under his leadership.
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Preliminary reports indicate that Gen. Jimale and other officers currently in Mogadishu are planning to arrive in Puntland soon, carrying military equipment and weapons intended to reinforce federal forces in the region. This has led Puntland to further strengthen its entry points into towns, to prevent the arrival of such equipment.
If Puntland and federal forces meet at checkpoints, despite orders not to hand over the territory, this could lead to a violent clash.
Residents of Garowe, Bosaso and Galkayo are feeling very anxious as additional troops are seen in the cities. This situation could also affect trade, movement of people and transport.
The situation in Puntland is currently at a critical juncture. The only way to avoid conflict is through mediation and political dialogue to resolve the conflict over command and control of the military between the two sides.