By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 18 Aug, 2026 President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in the Galmudug-administered part of Galkayo on Monday, days after Puntland warned the visit could heighten tensions in the divided city.
But in an address to residents, the president avoided direct confrontation. Instead, he repeatedly stressed peace, coexistence and Somali unity, arguing that federalism should not divide the Somali people.
“Galkayo is one city… The Somali people have not been federalised,” Hassan Sheikh said.
He acknowledged that political circumstances have left one city under two administrations, but praised communities on both sides for living peacefully and working toward shared development.
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The visit came after weeks of rising friction. On Aug 13, Puntland issued a statement saying it was aware of preparations for the trip and urged officials, elders and international partners to avoid actions that could undermine security.
Less than two weeks earlier, on Aug 5, heavy fighting broke out in northern Galkayo. Puntland forces attacked a camp near the airport housing troops formerly affiliated with the Puntland Security Force whose leadership had aligned with the Federal Government. Puntland later took control of the camp.
By framing his speech around “one Galkayo” and unity rather than responding directly to Puntland, Hassan Sheikh turned what might have been a routine visit into a politically charged moment.
The episode underscores long-standing strains between Mogadishu and Garowe over the constitution, power-sharing, elections and the authority of the Federal Government.