Puntland's Security Crisis: The Clash of PSF and PMPF Amidst ISIS's Rising Threat
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In recent weeks, tensions between the Puntland Security Force (PSF) and the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) have once again flared, raising fears that the region could be on the brink of renewed violence. The conflict appears to have resurfaced after the Puntland police arrested a PSF officer last month, an incident that many saw as politically motivated and a clear provocation. Following this arrest, the situation escalated dramatically on September 9 when PSF members abducted a close family relative of the PMPF Director, along with an official from the company managing Bosaso Airport.
This tit-for-tat conflict quickly spiraled further on September 10, when a militia group, reportedly aligned with the abducted individuals, retaliated by kidnapping the branch manager of Amal Bank in Qardho. The abducted manager is said to be a close family member of the PSF Director, indicating that personal and clan-based vendettas are now driving the conflict. These developments have alarmed local residents and officials, as they strongly suggest that the violent clashes of 2021 could soon return.
The involvement of clan militias in these abductions has complicated the situation, making it increasingly difficult to resolve the conflict through political negotiations. The underlying tensions between the PSF and PMPF, which go beyond simple power struggles and are deeply rooted in clan dynamics, have reignited, and the recent events show how fragile the peace in Bosaso remains.
Context and Origins of the Crisis
President Deni's administration significantly empowered the PMPF, placing the force under the command of one of his close relatives. This political maneuver not only shifted the balance of power but also deepened existing rivalries, setting the stage for ongoing conflict.
The PSF and PMPF are both supported by different international actors, which has further complicated the security landscape in Puntland.
The PSF received funding from U.S. Africom, while the PMPF was backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both forces have their headquarters in Bosaso, Puntland's major business hub. The withdrawal of U.S. support for the PSF, combined with the increased reliance on the PMPF by the presidential office, has exacerbated the situation. Once focused on counter-terrorism and anti-piracy operations, these forces are now embroiled in internal power struggles, undermining their effectiveness.
The ongoing conflict between the PSF and PMPF has had a devastating impact on the residents of Bosaso and surrounding areas.
The local population continues to suffer from the fallout of these security struggles. The securitization efforts and subsequent abandonment by foreign sponsors have left communities in a state of vulnerability. With daily life disrupted and security concerns mounting, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to restore order and address the root causes of the crisis.
Tensions between the PSF and PMPF escalated into open conflict following a weekslong standoff. The dispute began when President Deni dismissed PSF commander Mohamoud Osman Diyano on November 24.
The Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) has significantly extended its responsibilities beyond its original scope of duties, largely due to the influence of the presidential office. Initially established to address maritime security and anti-piracy, the PMPF has increasingly engaged in a broader range of activities, which were not part of its initial mandate. This expansion of roles has introduced new challenges, including involvement in internal political and security matters that were outside its original framework. As a result, the PMPF's focus has shifted, complicating its effectiveness and contributing to the overall instability in the region.
In recent weeks, the simmering conflict between the PSF and PMPF appears to be reigniting, as growing tensions have once again gripped Bosaso and its surrounding areas.
These recent developments have sparked fears that the fragile peace in Bosaso is on the verge of collapse. The pattern of actions and retaliations indicates that neither side is willing to back down, and the lack of mediation between the PSF and PMPF only heightens the risk of further conflict. The situation is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of power struggles in Puntland, where clan dynamics, political maneuvering, and security rivalries often intersect, with devastating consequences for the local population.
The Growing Threat of ISIS
Amidst the internal conflicts, ISIS-Somalia, headquartered in the Cal-Bari mountains, has steadily grown in strength over the past few years. While the group initially consisted of a relatively small number of fighters, it has increasingly recruited foreign fighters, particularly from Ethiopia and the Middle East. According to General Abdiyare, a former Puntland police chief and intelligence officer, ISIS now has approximately 400 foreign fighters in its ranks.
This influx of foreign fighters has given ISIS-Somalia a new level of operational capability, and the group is believed to be planning to establish its global headquarters in the region. The group's leader, Abdulkadi Mumin, is reportedly positioning himself as the de facto global leader of ISIS, further elevating the group's profile and attracting more recruits.
The rise of ISIS in Somalia has had a devastating impact on local communities, particularly in Bosaso. The group has increasingly turned to extortion and violence to fund its operations, targeting local businesses and demanding protection money. Those who refuse to comply have faced dire consequences, with several businesses being burned to the ground in recent months.
The Need for a Comprehensive Solution
The situation in Puntland, and particularly in Bosaso, requires a comprehensive approach to restore order and address the root causes of the conflict. The rivalry between the PSF and PMPF cannot be resolved through force alone; it requires a political solution that takes into account the interests of both parties and the broader security needs of the region.
Moreover, the rise of ISIS-Somalia poses a significant threat not only to Puntland but to the entire Horn of Africa. Without a coordinated effort to combat the group, it is likely that ISIS will continue to grow in strength, further destabilizing the region and posing a threat to global security.
For the people of Bosaso, the stakes could not be higher. Their lives have been relentlessly damaged by the violence and insecurity that have come to define the region. Only by addressing the underlying political and security issues can there be hope for a future free from the upheaval that has marred their lives for so long.
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