Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have announced new security measures, including restrictions targeting armed groups and certain federal government officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Puntland’s Ministry of Security said the measures were adopted following a meeting involving the ministry, the Puntland Security Committee and other government institutions responsible for security affairs.
The new provisions prohibit the movement of armed militias and technical vehicles entering Puntland territory without authorisation. Officials said legal action would be taken against individuals found to be violating security regulations, adding that security forces had been instructed to intensify monitoring and enforcement.
The regional administration also announced a ban on the organisation and recruitment of militias within Puntland, warning that those involved could face consequences under local laws.
In a further escalation of tensions, Puntland stated that officials and members of Somalia’s federal government accused of encouraging or supporting actions deemed harmful to Puntland’s security would not be permitted to enter the region.
The Puntland administration alleged that some federal officials had engaged in activities capable of undermining stability and public security. The federal government had not publicly responded to the announcement at the time of publication.
The latest measures come amid continuing political and security tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s federal authorities over governance and regional relations.
