GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland authorities say armed forces previously aligned with Somalia’s federal government have agreed to join the Puntland Defence Force, in a move that could further deepen political and security tensions between Puntland and the federal government.
The forces, which had recently been stationed in the Kuur-ilaalo area of Rako-Raaxo district, agreed to join Puntland’s security forces following mediation by traditional elders and politicians from Bari region, according to a statement issued by Puntland authorities.
The authorities said the fighters would be incorporated into the formal structure of the Puntland Defence Force following registration, training and restructuring. The process is intended to bring the forces under Puntland’s military regulations, disciplinary procedures and chain of command.
“The armed militias stationed in the Kuur-ilaalo area of Rako-Raaxo district have agreed to join the Puntland Defence Force,” the Puntland administration said in a statement. “They will be incorporated into the formal structure of the force and undergo registration, training and restructuring.”
The development comes amid continuing disputes between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government over political authority and security arrangements.
Former PSF forces moved to Carmo
Separately, Puntland has transferred former members of the Puntland Security Force (PSF) to the Somali Police Force training college in Carmo.
The forces were taken over by Puntland at a former PSF base in the port city of Bosaso following an agreement between the Puntland administration and the officers who had been leading the force.
The troops are expected to undergo restructuring and training before being formally integrated into the Puntland Defence Force. Authorities say they will subsequently operate under the force’s established command structure and regulations.
The developments represent a further consolidation of Puntland’s security forces at a time of heightened political tensions between the regional administration and the federal government in Mogadishu.
Gen Jimcaale to rejoin Puntland forces
In a separate development, Brigadier General Jimcaale Jama Takar, commander of Danab forces based at the Ligle military camp outside Garowe, has agreed to return to the Puntland Defence Force after a period of service under Somalia’s federal government.
Gen Jimcaale and the forces under his command have reportedly reversed their earlier decision to join the federal government. They are expected to be formally registered as members of Puntland’s Daraawiish forces in the coming days.
A committee led by former Puntland President and Senator Abdirahman Faroole said in Garowe that an agreement had been reached to resolve the dispute and that the Danab forces would henceforth join Puntland’s security forces.
The latest developments could strengthen Puntland’s control over forces operating in its territory while presenting a setback for the federal government’s efforts to maintain influence over security forces in the region.
Puntland and Somalia’s federal authorities have repeatedly disagreed over the control and organisation of security forces, as well as wider questions of political and constitutional authority.
HM
