The Rising Tensions in Galkayo: A Complex Power Struggle

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, the Northeastern State government has issued a stark warning regarding its intentions towards the Northeastern State Security Force (PSF) in Galkayo. Recent actions by the PSF—operations conducted without prior regional approval—have provoked severe backlash from Governor Faisal Sheikh Ali, popularly known as Jifo Jabsade.

Perched at the heart of this dispute is a dense weave of historical grievances and power dynamics, as Jabsade articulated in his chilling statement: “If you leave the base again, this place will become the battlefield… Galkayo is no longer a playground for chaos.” It’s a declaration that resonates deeply in the tumultuous fabric of Northeastern State’s security landscape.

Background: Who Are the Northeastern State Security Forces?

The PSF, initially conceived in 2002 with American backing to counter terrorism and piracy, has matured into a robust counterterrorism and intelligence apparatus. But its trajectory has not been without complications. On one hand, it operates under the umbrella of Northeastern State’s official security framework; on the other, it has amassed considerable autonomy over the years. This duality raises pivotal questions: At what point does an autonomous force become a rogue entity? Could the very structure intended to safeguard regional stability ironically serve as a catalyst for chaos?

Underlying these tensions is the intricate relationship with federal authorities. Northeastern State’s recent accusations levied against Somali Police Force Commander Gen. Asad Osman Abdullahi Diyaano—whose family has entrenched ties with the PSF—highlight an unsettling complexity. Diyaano, a prominent figure in this narrative and a former commander of the PSF, now leads the federal police force, complicating allegiances and responses across the board.

The Fallout: A Battle for Control

In a move signaling escalating conflict, Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni has mobilized senior officers and reinforcements to Galkayo. Deni perceives these deployments as necessary countermeasures to what he considers an illegal military buildup by forces aligned with the federal government. This is not merely a battle for physical territory; it’s an intricate power struggle that threatens the very fabric of governance in Northeastern State.

Take, for instance, the consequences of previous confrontations. In December 2021, President Deni attempted to dismiss PSF commander Mohamoud Osman Diyaano. Instead of yielding, Diyaano’s resistance spurred armed conflict, leading to violent clashes in Bosaso that claimed the lives of at least seven individuals. These events serve as grim reminders of what’s at stake, underscoring the dire human implications of political maneuvers.

Compounding the issue, the PSF unilaterally shut down Bosaso Airport in 2024, alleging that it was the site of illicit weapons landings. This decision only exacerbated tensions, solidifying the narrative that the PSF operates outside the constraints of civilian oversight. It raises another question: How do we balance the need for security with the imperative of accountability?

A Broader Context: Federal Implications

What makes this conflict even more intricate are the federal ramifications tied to the ongoing power struggle. As Northeastern State officials allege that Gen. Asad Osman Abdullahi Diyaano has been orchestrating unlawful military activities in Mudug, the implications of such actions ripple throughout the region. The PSF, now possibly operating under a federal registration, poses a tangible threat to Northeastern State’s autonomy. Could this be a precursor to an overarching federal consolidation of power?

In this context, President Deni’s strategic dispatch of reinforcements to Galkayo is more than just a tactical decision; it sends a potent signal that Northeastern State will vigorously defend its governance structures. Yet, that raises another layer of complexity: Does this militarization risk deepening divisions rather than alleviating tensions?

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The situation in Galkayo encapsulates a pivotal moment in Northeastern State’s political landscape. The PSF’s base, which sometimes serves as a landing site for U.S. AFRICOM aircraft, is at the nexus of regional counterterrorism efforts. Yet, as tensions flare, one must ponder: Will this confrontation ultimately lead to a stronger, more cohesive governance structure, or will it unravel into a cycle of violence and instability?

Thus, the Galkayo standoff emerges not merely as a local conflict but as a microcosm of the broader challenges that continue to plague Somalia. As we watch this narrative unfold, it invites us to question not only the efficacy of military solutions but the very essence of leadership in the quest for stability. What will be the cost of continued discord, and who will bear the brunt of such a power struggle?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.