Crash involving presidential guard kills Puntland State police officer, rickshaw driver

Puntland State police officer and rickshaw driver killed in Garowe crash; presidential guard arrested after attempting to flee

GAROWE, Somalia — A Puntland State police officer and a rickshaw driver were killed late Monday in a collision in central Garowe involving a vehicle driven by a presidential guard reported to be a close relative of the Puntland State president, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 11 p.m. when the guard’s vehicle struck a rickshaw, according to a statement from the Puntland State Police Command. The guard attempted to flee the scene and resisted responding security forces before being apprehended, police said.

Police identified the fallen officer as Abdirahman Yusuf Ahmed, described as one of the young officers who had recently joined the force. The rickshaw driver also died at the scene. Authorities did not immediately release the driver’s identity pending notification of family.

Authorities said the guard who caused the accident was armed and under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. He sustained minor injuries during his arrest.

The Criminal Investigation Department has launched a formal investigation into the incident. The suspect is in custody, and police said further details will be released as the inquiry progresses.

The deaths add to scrutiny of discipline and accountability within Puntland State’s security services. Despite recent reforms aimed at tightening standards and improving public safety, authorities say incidents involving drug-using officers — who account for a significant share of misconduct cases — continue to rise.

Police did not provide additional information about what led up to the collision or whether any other vehicles were involved. There was no immediate comment from the Puntland State presidency regarding the guard’s alleged relationship to the president.

Road safety and enforcement remain chronic concerns in Garowe and across Puntland State, where poorly lit streets, heavy evening traffic and the prevalence of tuk-tuks and rickshaws heighten the risk of serious accidents. Authorities have periodically announced crackdowns targeting impaired and armed driving, but enforcement gaps persist.

As the investigation proceeds, police urged the public to cooperate with investigators and avoid spreading unverified information about the case. No charges had been formally announced as of early Tuesday.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.