Somalia’s Puntland at the Centre of Political Rift and Security Challenges

In a rapidly shifting political and security landscape, Puntland, a northeastern semi-autonomous state in Somalia, finds itself at the heart of growing tensions with the federal government while continuing efforts to counter extremist threats and manage humanitarian challenges.

On February 1, 2026, the Somali federal authorities ordered aircraft carrying security personnel for the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland to turn back before landing in Mogadishu, deepening mistrust ahead of crucial consultations on elections and constitutional reform. Federal officials said the flights violated agreed protocols, heightening jitters between central and regional governments.

Puntland’s leadership condemned the move, describing it as not only a breach of protocol but also a danger to the safety of the security teams. The decision has been framed as part of a broader dispute over governance and power-sharing between Mogadishu and Somalia’s federal member states.

The rift has been intensifying over constitutional reform and electoral governance. Puntland — which declared autonomy in 1998 and exercises considerable self-rule — rejected the federal government’s attempts to centralize key functions without broad regional consensus. Officials in Garowe accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of overstepping constitutional boundaries and sidelining regional voices, particularly regarding the shift toward universal suffrage and restructured voting systems.

As a result, Puntland’s government declared that it would withhold recognition and confidence in some federal institutions until a mutually agreed constitutional framework is adopted. The announcement reflects deep dissatisfaction with what regional leaders see as decisions made without adequate consultation or consent from member states.

The political standoff comes amid continued security concerns across Somalia, particularly with jihadist groups like al-Shabaab and the Islamic State (IS) affiliate in Somalia retaining footholds in several regions, including areas within or near Puntland. The ongoing insurgency forms a backdrop to the constitutional and administrative disputes, complicating governance and stability efforts.

Puntland has not stood still against violence. Regional forces — including the Puntland Security Force, Dervish Force and Maritime Police Force — have waged operations against extremist elements in rugged terrain like the Cal Miskaad mountains, often with support from international partners such as the United States and the United Arab Emirates. These efforts aim to weaken IS strongholds and reduce the threat posed by international fighters.

Alongside security operations, Puntland’s government has pursued administrative autonomy, such as recently moving to take control of residency permits and visa issuance, previously managed at the federal level. The regional Ministry of Interior is now set to issue identity documents and manage migration processes, a shift intended to strengthen local governance and improve services for residents and foreign visitors alike.

Puntland’s leadership has also launched long-term development initiatives. For example, the region recently inaugurated its Fourth Development Plan Conference (2026–2030) in Garowe, emphasizing sustainable growth and institutional capacity building despite ongoing security threats.

Humanitarian issues further compound the region’s challenges. Drought conditions have plagued large parts of Puntland, prompting appeals for international aid to address water shortages, widespread food insecurity and risks of displacement for vulnerable populations.