Puntland suspends Somali National Army operations in all its territories until federal disputes are resolved
Puntland has announced that Somali National Army forces will not operate in any of its territories until a comprehensive agreement is reached to resolve the disputes between the regional administration and the Federal Government of Somalia. The decision marks a new level of escalation in the political conflict between the two sides.
The move, approved at a Puntland cabinet meeting on 18 June 2026, is not merely a security measure but a significant political statement. It signals Puntland's demand for a lasting solution to contentious issues that have been intensifying in recent periods.
The roots of the conflict lie in a combination of factors, including constitutional amendments, the distribution of powers, the electoral system, the management of security agencies, and the way the Federal Government deals with regional states.
The decision directly touches one of the most important pillars of Somali statehood: the unity and building of a joint national army. If the gap between the two sides continues to widen, efforts to establish unified security institutions could be weakened, and coordination of security operations across the country could become more difficult.
Puntland has repeatedly accused the Federal Government of making decisions without consulting regional states and of departing from previously reached political agreements. The Federal Government, for its part, insists that strengthening national institutions and unifying the armed forces are essential for consolidating statehood and ensuring national security.
The dispute comes at a time when there have been allegations that the Somali National Army has been involved in political matters, raising concerns about the independence of the military and the need to prevent it from being used as a tool in political contests.
The conflict could directly affect the country's overall security, the fight against armed groups, cooperation between government institutions, and the process of state-building in Somalia.
This is not merely a political dispute confined to the two sides; it is evolving into a disagreement that could impact the federal structure and the future relationship between the Federal Government and regional administrations.
If genuine dialogue and an inclusive political agreement are not reached quickly, the rift between the two sides could widen further, threatening the cohesion of national institutions, political stability, and efforts to build inclusive statehood.
Ultimately, the most sensible solution depends on both sides returning to the negotiating table to reach a clear, lasting political agreement that resolves all the contentious issues that have long remained unresolved.
