Former PM Sharmarke Warns Against Military Escalation in Galkayo

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GALKAAYO: Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has urged the Puntland administration to halt military movements that could trigger clashes in the divided city of Galkayo, warning that renewed fighting could undermine stability and force civilians to flee.

In a statement posted on social media, Sharmarke criticized the deployment of Puntland forces around Galkayo and called on the regional leadership to avoid any confrontation between Puntland security forces and local armed units.

“Galkayo is not the Calmiskaat mountains. The administration must stop any confrontation that lacks legal justification,” Sharmarke said, referring to Puntland’s recent security operations against ISIS militants in the Calmiskaat mountain range.

The former prime minister also argued that resources being directed toward military mobilization in Galkayo, including funding and weapons, would be better used to support ongoing counterterrorism operations. He warned that diverting security assets could weaken efforts against extremist groups operating in the region.

Sharmarke appealed to traditional elders, religious leaders, and government officials to intervene and help ease tensions through dialogue, stressing that political disputes should be resolved peacefully rather than through force.

The renewed tensions come after Puntland recently accused the Galmudug administration of allowing weapons and armed personnel to transit through its territory into areas under Puntland’s control. Galmudug has denied the allegations and reiterated its commitment to resolving any disagreements through dialogue.

Background

Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region, is divided between Puntland, which controls the northern part of the city, and Galmudug, which administers the southern section. The city has experienced repeated clan-based violence and armed confrontations over the years, making any military build-up a source of concern for residents and political observers.

The latest developments coincide with heightened political tensions within Puntland, where disagreements over security deployments and governance have fueled fears that internal disputes could escalate into armed conflict if not addressed through negotiations.