EDITORIAL I For over 26 years, Puntland, a federal state of Somalia, has
independently defended its borders and safeguarded its people without meaningful
support from the central government in Mogadishu. Since Al-Shabaab and ISIS began
waging war in the mountainous regions of Calmadow and Cal-Miskaad, Puntlandts
forces have been on the frontlines, single-handedly fighting these extremist groups.
Yet, despite its unwavering commitment to securing its territory, the so-called Federal
The government of Somalia has provided no military assistance, logistical support, or even
moral encouragement to Puntland’s troops.
Puntland is strategically located, with a coastline stretching over 1,600 kilometers
along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It lies at the crucial Horn of Africa, a region
that serves as a gateway to international trade routes. Given this geographical
significance, Puntland’s war against terrorist groups has drawn global attention,
highlighting the bravery of its forces and the dedication of its leadership. However,
rather than acknowledging Puntland’s sacrifices, Somaliats federal leadership has
shamefully attempted to appropriate the victories achieved by Puntland’s soldiers.
For decades, Puntland has fought this war alone. Its soldiers have stormed terrorist
hideouts in the mountains and caves, losing their lives in the battle to cleanse their
land of foreign and local extremists. Not once has the Somali federal government sent
reinforcements, nor has any Somali leader publicly declared support for Puntland’s
forces. Yet, when the world started recognizing the effectiveness of Puntland’
counterterrorism efforts, Mogadishu’s leaders shamelessly sought to claim credit.
A Sudden Shift in Narrative
Recently, Villa Somalia issued a statement claiming that US. airstrikes targeting ISIS
bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains were authorized by the Somali federal
government. This raises an important question: Has Puntland been formally excluded
from Somalia? Or is this merely an attempt by Mogadishu to rewrite history and erase
Puntland’s role in the fight against terrorism?
Under international law, Puntland remains part of Somalia. Yet, in practice, Puntland
has operated without any material or financial assistance from the federal government.
For 25 years, Puntland’s troops have fought without Somali government-issued
uniforms, without a single bullet provided by Mogadishu, and without salaries paid
through the national budget. And now, when Puntland achieves a major victory against
ISIS, Villa Somalia suddenly claims ownership of the success.
Adding to this hypocrisy, Somalia’s state-run news agency, SON NA, recently published
an article written by the Minister of Information at Villa Somalia titled “Record-
Breaking War on Terror Re-ignites Hope for Peace and Security in Somalia.” The
article attempted to paint a picture of Somalia as making remarkable progress in the
war against terrorism. But the real question is: What happened to the supposed war
against Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia?
For years, the international community has poured millions of dollars into Mogadishu’s
efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab, yet the group still controls vast areas, including regions
near the birthplace of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Meanwhile, Puntland,
without international funds or federal support, has successfully pushed ISIS out of its
strongholds in the mountains.
Puntland’s Independence in the Fight Against Terrorism
The battle in Cal-Miskaad is indeed a Somali victory, but it is not one that President
Hassan Sheikh and his administration can claim. Puntland has never declared
secession from Somalia, but it has made it clear that it will not collaborate with Villa
Somalia’s self-serving political agenda. Puntland’s leaders and people refuse to be part
of a government that fails to act in the nation’s best interests while exploiting the hard-
earned victories of others.
It is time for Puntland’s contributions to be recognized and respected. Villa Somalia
must abandon its opportunistic tendencies and acknowledge that Puntland is not a
province whose achievements can be stolen at will. If the federal government truly
wants to be part of Somalia’s fight against terrorism, it should start by securing the vast
regions still under Al-Shabaab’s rule instead of falsely claiming credit for victories won
by Puntland’s heroic soldiers.
Puntland’s war against ISIS is a genuine and uncompromising fight. Mogadishu’s
leadership, however, has turned its role into one of mere opportunism. While
Puntland’s forces shed their blood for Somalia’s security, Villa Somalia remains absent
—until it sees an opportunity to take credit. This blatant attempt to rewrite history must
be condemned, and Puntland’s rightful place in the fight against terrorism must be
acknowledged.
