GALKAYO (SD) — The outgoing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Galkayo has drawn a cautious and critical response from Puntland, with the administration warning that the Federal Government’s activities in the divided city could heighten political and security tensions.

The visit took place against the backdrop of worsening relations between Puntland and Mogadishu, following President Hasan’s term being over and particularly over federal authority, security forces, constitutional changes and Somalia’s future political process.

From Puntland’s perspective, the president’s visit was not simply a routine presidential trip. Puntland authorities expressed concern that the Federal Government could use the visit to advance political and security objectives inside an area where Puntland maintains authority.

Puntland officials have accused the Federal Government of attempting to interfere in the security affairs of Puntland and have warned against actions that could destabilize Galkayo and the wider Mudug region.

The administration subsequently increased the readiness of its security forces around the city, while Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni held meetings with security commanders and local officials to assess developments.

Galkayo remains one of Somalia’s most politically sensitive cities. The northern part is administered by Puntland, while the southern part falls under Galmudug.

For Puntland, maintaining security in the northern part of Galkayo is therefore closely connected to protecting its constitutional and administrative authority.

The presence of the Federal Government president in the city, particularly amid the current political confrontation between Puntland and Mogadishu, has consequently been viewed with suspicion by Puntland officials.

The tension surrounding Hassan Sheikh’s visit reflects a much wider disagreement.

Puntland has increasingly challenged decisions made by the Federal Government, particularly those concerning constitutional amendments, elections, federal security forces and the distribution of political authority.

Garowe’s position is that Somalia’s federal system requires consultation and agreement between the Federal Government and the federal member states rather than unilateral decisions from Mogadishu.

Against this background, Puntland views the movement and deployment of federal forces in areas under its administration as particularly sensitive.

The visit also became a symbolic test of competing claims of authority.

For Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh’s presence in Galkayo demonstrates that the Federal Government remains a national institution with the right to travel and operate throughout Somalia.

For Puntland, however, security and administrative authority cannot simply be assumed by the Federal Government in areas governed by a federal member state.

The increased Puntland security presence therefore sent a clear message that Garowe intends to retain control over security within areas under its administration.

From Puntland’s perspective, the situation should be resolved politically rather than through military pressure.

Puntland has consistently argued that disagreements between the Federal Government and federal member states should be addressed through dialogue, consultation and negotiated agreements.

Galkayo’s history also makes restraint particularly important. Any confrontation between Puntland and federal-aligned forces could quickly undermine years of efforts to maintain coexistence between communities on both sides of the city.

President Hassan Sheikh’s visit may have been intended to demonstrate national unity, but from Puntland’s perspective it also exposed the deepening constitutional and political divide between Mogadishu and Garowe.

The central issue is not whether the president can visit Galkayo. Rather, it is how federal authority is exercised in a country where security responsibilities and political powers remain contested between the central government and federal member states.

Puntland’s response suggests that Garowe does not want the Federal Government to use presidential visits, federal security forces or political appointments to gradually expand its authority inside Puntland.

At the same time, Puntland faces a delicate balancing act. A heavy-handed response could provide Mogadishu with an opportunity to portray the administration as obstructing national unity. A restrained but firm approach—protecting its security authority while keeping channels for political dialogue open—may better serve Puntland’s interests.

For Puntland, the Galkayo episode is therefore less about one presidential visit and more about defending the federal balance, preventing military escalation and ensuring that Somalia’s political future is decided through negotiated agreement rather than unilateral action.