By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 14 August 2026 — Puntland said Thursday it is concerned about reported plans for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to visit southern Galkayo, and urged all sides to preserve peace and stability in the divided city.
In a statement, the Puntland administration said it was monitoring preparations for the reported visit to the part of Galkayo administered by Galmudug.
Puntland said it feared the visit could increase tensions and called on authorities, residents, traditional elders and the international community to avoid actions that could threaten security in the city. It also urged the president to refrain from steps that could lead to conflict involving Puntland.
Related articles
The statement comes amid heightened security operations in Puntland.
On 6 August, Puntland forces said they had taken control of the former Puntland Security Forces (PSF) headquarters in Bosaso. The administration said the move followed an operation in Galkayo targeting armed groups it accused of threatening Puntland’s security and public order. The actions are part of wider tensions over control of security facilities and forces in the state.
Meanwhile, the presidency said Friday that President Mohamud had arrived in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, to attend a Somali National Army training graduation and launch development projects. The presidency said he would also meet Galmudug community representatives. It made no mention of a visit to Galkayo.