BOSASO, Somalia (HornPost) — Puntland of Somalia region President Said Abdullahi Deni chaired a high-level security meeting in the Bari region and approved a series of measures targeting illegal weapons, terrorism, piracy, human trafficking, clan conflicts and other security challenges.
The meeting, held in Bosaso, brought together senior Puntland government officials based in the Bari region, including members of the Cabinet and House of Representatives, military and security commanders, Bari regional authorities, Bosaso district officials and other government representatives.
According to a statement issued by the Puntland presidency, the meeting reviewed the security situation across Bari, with particular attention to counterterrorism operations, weapons control, maritime security, piracy, human trafficking, clan-related conflicts, trade and investment, urban development and public revenue.
The meeting also discussed measures to combat narcotics, improve the quality of medicines and food products, protect grazing land and regulate new settlements.
Puntland Tightens Control of Illegal Weapons
One of the key decisions was to reinforce the ban on carrying or possessing illegal weapons inside Puntland’s cities.
Puntland authorities said any illegally held weapons seized by security forces would be taken into government custody, while security and judicial institutions were instructed to take legal action against anyone involved in the possession, importation, sale or use of unauthorized weapons.
The authorities also banned the entry into Puntland of vehicles that could be modified or used to transport weapons or military equipment.
Such vehicles will only be allowed into Puntland after authorization from the military command and approval signed by the Puntland president.
Security agencies were instructed to seize military-type vehicles that enter Puntland illegally.
The meeting further ordered security and judicial institutions to take legal action against individuals involved in inciting or organizing clan-based conflicts.
Puntland Accelerates Counterterrorism Operations
The security meeting called for intensified efforts against terrorist groups throughout Puntland.
Security agencies were also instructed to prevent the importation, sale and use of narcotics and alcohol.
Another decision prohibited soldiers who are not participating in official operations from carrying weapons inside cities.
Authorities were further directed to seize weapons used in clan conflicts and take legal action against individuals involved in such fighting.
Maritime Security and Anti-Piracy Measures
The Puntland government also placed renewed emphasis on maritime security and the protection of its coastline.
Security agencies were instructed to fully implement Puntland’s existing decisions aimed at combating piracy and human trafficking, while strengthening measures to prevent such illegal activities.
The authorities were specifically ordered to act against anyone involved in piracy-related activities.
The focus on maritime security is particularly significant for Bari, which includes Puntland’s major coastal city of Bosaso and a long stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Aden.
Puntland Seeks to Boost Trade and Government Revenue
The meeting also approved measures aimed at increasing government revenue and encouraging investment.
Officials agreed to accelerate efforts to expand public revenue, particularly from coastal and maritime revenue sources.
Puntland also plans to organize a Puntland Investment and Trade Conference to promote both domestic and foreign investment.
The meeting further ordered the activation of the Quality Control Agency, with legal action to be taken against businesses selling medicines or food products whose quality has not been verified.
The measures are intended to strengthen consumer protection while improving regulatory oversight of essential goods.
Bosaso Urban Development Plan
Urban development in Bosaso was another major issue discussed at the meeting.
Puntland authorities approved implementation of a plan to clear blocked roads and improve the appearance and infrastructure of the city.
The initiative will follow the Bosaso municipal master plan submitted by the city administration.
The government said the plan is intended to improve the city’s urban environment and facilitate better movement through major roads and public spaces.
Restrictions on New Settlements and Grazing Land
The Puntland government also announced new measures concerning grazing land and unauthorized settlements.
The meeting banned the establishment of new settlements that do not comply with government planning and regulations.
Security and relevant government agencies were instructed to take legal action against individuals who have illegally occupied or fenced grazing land or established new settlements without official authorization.
The government said the measures are intended to regulate land use and prevent disputes linked to unauthorized settlement and the occupation of communal grazing areas.
Puntland Orders Immediate Implementation
At the conclusion of the meeting, officials emphasized that all decisions must be implemented fully and without delay.
Relevant government institutions were instructed to take the necessary steps to enforce the decisions and strengthen security, economic regulation and urban management across the Bari region.
The decisions come as Puntland continues to address a combination of terrorism, illegal weapons, maritime crime, clan conflicts, trafficking and economic governance challenges.
Key Decisions
- Ban on carrying illegal weapons in Puntland cities.
- Seizure of illegally held weapons and legal action against offenders.
- Restrictions on vehicles capable of carrying military equipment.
- Intensified counterterrorism operations.
- Action against those involved in clan conflict.
- Increased measures against piracy and human trafficking.
- Stronger protection of Puntland’s coastline.
- Measures to combat narcotics and alcohol.
- Efforts to increase government revenue.
- A planned Puntland Investment and Trade Conference.
- Activation of the Quality Control Agency.
- Implementation of Bosaso’s urban master plan.
- Ban on unauthorized new settlements.
- Legal action over illegal occupation of grazing land.
The Puntland presidency said government institutions responsible for implementing the decisions must move quickly to ensure their enforcement.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
BOSASO, Somalia
