Somalia’s Puntland State Security Forces Take Control of Garowe Parliament Amidst Election Dispute

Puntland state security forces of Somalia assumed control of the parliamentary building in Garowe, deploying marine units and military vehicles to secure the premises. The operation, which transpired early in the morning, resulted in restricted access to the building.

This development follows the Parliament’s objection, voiced three days prior, to President Said Deni’s appointment of the parliamentary disputes resolution committee. The heightened tensions are unfolding in the lead-up to next month’s parliamentary and presidential elections.

The parliamentary disagreement originated from President Deni’s nomination of a disputes resolution committee, met with opposition from the Parliament. Two weeks ago, a traditional committee proposed a resolution wherein current parliament members would elect the president and vice president, followed by a scheduled parliamentary election using the one-person, one-vote model a year later.

The conflict intensified when the Parliament appointed a new committee, diverging from the President’s preference. The seizure of the parliament building sets the stage for a potential clash between President Deni and the Parliament.

Reports suggest that the Speaker of the Parliament and opposition members are poised to accuse President Deni of taking control of the parliamentary headquarters during ongoing legislative tasks, including the approval of the budget.