Puntland State interior minister accuses federal government of undermining state

Tuesday April 14, 2026

Garowe (AX) — Puntland State’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Hirsii Ali Qarjab, accused Somalia’s federal government on Monday of mounting a political and security offensive against the semi-autonomous state.

In remarks to reporters, Qarjab said Puntland State is watching developments in the country closely and is ready to defend its territory if the need arises.

“Puntland State has always stood for strengthening the unity and cooperation of the Somali people,” he said. “We expected development, security and the right to be recognized as Somalia, but we have not seen any of them.”

The minister said Puntland State has come under persistent pressure for more than a year and a half, characterizing the climate as one of “war and oppression.” He accused the federal authorities of offering little meaningful support and of taking actions that, in his view, weaken Somalia’s federal structure.

Qarjab also argued that Puntland State has been forced to rely increasingly on its own resources, saying it has not received the political or financial support it expected from Mogadishu.

Frictions between Puntland State and the federal government have sharpened over the past three years, driven largely by disputes over constitutional amendments, resource-sharing arrangements and the distribution of power between the central government and federal member states.

Puntland State officials have repeatedly warned against what they describe as moves to concentrate authority in Mogadishu, while federal officials say the reforms are needed to reinforce national governance and unity.