Monday September 8, 2025
Las Anod (HOL) — Puntland authorities have deployed troops
to parts of the Sool region in an attempt to halt voter registration for
one-person, one-vote elections launched by Somalia’s federal government and the
newly declared Northeastern administration.
Residents told HOL that Puntland forces moved into Boocame
district and the nearby Falariyale area, where federal and Northeastern
electoral commissions had begun registration.
Both areas are home to Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman
Lugatoor, who has openly rejected voter registration there.
Local sources say the vice president is mobilizing his
clan-based forces and has warned that they will resist any attempt to carry out
registration. Lugatoor recently visited the contested districts, declaring them
part of Puntland and laying foundation stones for development projects funded
by his administration.
The moves heighten fears of armed confrontation between
Puntland and the Northeastern administration, which broke away earlier this
year with backing from Mogadishu. Last week, Northeastern President Abdikadir
Ahmed Firdhiye, alongside Somalia’s Interior Minister, inaugurated voter
registration for local elections in Las Anod.
Puntland leaders strongly oppose the creation of the
Northeastern state and remain at odds with the federal government over
territorial claims and election models.
