Tensions are rising in the Somali city of Galkayo, where a growing military presence has raised fears of a new confrontation between the Puntland and Galmudug administrations.
Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region, lies along the boundary between Puntland and Galmudug and is divided between the two regional administrations.
The latest tensions follow the reported deployment of troops to the Galmudug-controlled side of the city by Somalia’s federal government. The troops are said to include forces from Puntland that support President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.
Puntland has responded by deploying additional forces from other parts of its territory to Galkayo, according to local sources.
The developments come days after a brief confrontation between Puntland security forces and members of the Puntland Security Force (PSF) on the outskirts of Bosaso.
Puntland authorities said the operation was intended to prevent forces they described as being affiliated with the federal government from interfering with security in the region.
Puntland forces also seized eight military vehicles belonging to the PSF, which Puntland authorities have accused of having links to the federal government in Mogadishu.
The Puntland administration has since warned Galmudug against allowing weapons or troops to be used from its territory to launch attacks against Puntland.
Puntland officials said such a move could undermine the security and cooperation that have existed between the two administrations.
The dispute reflects broader political tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government, which have intensified amid disagreements over the country’s political and security arrangements.
Galkayo is particularly sensitive because the city is jointly administered by Puntland and Galmudug. A confrontation there could threaten security gains made in recent years and risk reigniting tensions in a city that has previously experienced deadly clashes.
Residents and local authorities now face renewed concerns that the growing concentration of forces on both sides could lead to further violence unless tensions are contained.
