Garowe, Puntland (Horn Post) Puntland’s government has announced a series of new security and legal measures following a Cabinet meeting focused on safeguarding regional stability, highlighting continuing political tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s Federal Government.
Chaired by Puntland President Said Abdullah Deni, alongside Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugator, the Cabinet reviewed the region’s security situation and commended recent operations carried out by Puntland’s security forces. According to the Puntland Presidency, the operations disrupted what the regional administration described as attempts to undermine Puntland’s security and governance.
The Cabinet instructed all security agencies to prohibit the movement of armed groups and military vehicles not affiliated with Puntland’s officially recognized security institutions. The directive is intended to strengthen state control over security operations and prevent unauthorized armed activity within Puntland’s territory.
Maritime security also featured prominently in the meeting. Authorities directed security forces to intensify operations against organized maritime crime, including piracy and illegal fishing, while pledging strict legal action against individuals or vessels accused of violating Puntland’s territorial waters.
The move reflects Puntland’s continued focus on protecting its extensive coastline and marine resources, which remain strategically important in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean.
In addition, the Cabinet ordered that the names of politicians, security officials, and other individuals accused of activities that threaten Puntland’s security and constitutional order be referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings. No specific names or evidence were released in the official statement.
The government also reiterated its expectations for media organizations operating in Puntland to comply with regional press laws and professional journalism standards. Furthermore, the Cabinet announced plans to pursue legal measures against social media users accused of repeatedly disseminating false information or content deemed harmful to Puntland’s institutions.
While emphasizing stricter enforcement, the Cabinet instructed security forces to carry out their duties in accordance with Puntland’s Constitution and applicable laws protecting human rights. Officials concluded the meeting by urging residents to support efforts to preserve peace, strengthen public security, and promote social cohesion across the region.
The decisions underscore Puntland’s effort to reinforce internal security while navigating ongoing political differences with Somalia’s Federal Government.
The developments also highlight the increasingly interconnected challenges of governance, counterterrorism, maritime security, and information management in the Horn of Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Garowe, Puntland, Somalia
