Mogadishu – Somalia’s trade minister Jamal Mohamed Hassan has accused
Puntland security forces of employing excessive force against civilians in Badhan,
Sanaag region, amid unrest surrounding a planned visit by Puntland
President Said Abdullahi Deni.
In a statement, Jamal denounced what he termed as “unacceptable” violence,
claiming security personnel fired on residents protesting Deni’s visit to the
town earlier this week. There has been no official confirmation of casualties.
The act of violence and aggression inflicted upon the people of Badhan town
with live ammunition is unacceptable,” the minister stated.
He additionally claimed that women from the family of a local traditional leader,
identified as Chief Omar Abdullahi, were mistreated during the incident,
though these claims could not be independently verified.
Jamal accused Puntland authorities of a pattern of abuses in the Sanaag region,
referencing a previous incident in Dhahar district in July 2025 where
civilians were reportedly killed.
These repeated violations cannot be overlooked. They demand serious
accountability,” he stated, noting that those responsible would be held to
account.
The Puntland administration has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
Tensions have periodically erupted in parts of Sanaag, a region claimed by both
Puntland, North Eastern State, and Somaliland, complicating governance and
security dynamics in the area.