Tensions remain high in Bosaso as the Puntland Security Forces (PSF) and troops loyal to Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni face off following a presidential decree dismissing the PSF commander.
Last week, President Deni attempted to remove PSF Commander Mahamud Osman Diyano and his officers. However, Deni has so far failed to implement this plan, facing staunch refusal from the PSF, which has denounced the move as a political plot.
The PSF, an elite unit of more than 3,000 troops designed to counter threats posed by ISIS and Al-Shabaab, recently left its mountain positions and set up camps in Bosaso in direct reaction to Deni’s decree.
Government Forces Threaten Action
Since then, the situation in the city has grown increasingly tense as President Deni has deployed a large number of troops to the area. Recently, Puntland’s Security Minister, Abdisamad Gallan, and the commander of the Puntland Darawish forces—both highly critical of the PSF leadership—made no secret of their intention to move on the port city to enforce the change.
For their part, PSF officials have rejected allegations from the minister and the senior officer that their stance constitutes mutiny rather than a political dispute. They remain firm in their refusal to accept the dismissal of the PSF leadership, dismissing Gallan’s reasoning and any plans to forcibly execute the change in command.
A History of Service and Support
The troops highlighted the respect they have earned from local residents through their dedicated service. They also noted that previous Puntland administrations, including those of Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas and Abdirahman Farole, recognized this work by promoting their officers. This stands in stark contrast to the current administration; observers note that since President Deni narrowly defeated Asad Diyano in the Puntland presidential elections, he has done little to support or invest in the PSF.
The Political Stakes
The core of the current debate is not the dismissal itself, but its timing. It is widely understood that President Deni is attempting to secure all 16 federal parliamentary seats in Bosaso in the upcoming elections. Political analysts agree that without control over the PSF, he will be unable to execute this plan.
According to experts on Puntland politics, the only way Deni can gain control of the PSF is by removing the Diyano family’s influence. The force was originally established and commanded by Mahamud Osman Diyano, later succeeded by his son, Asad, and then by his brother, Mohamud, when Asad entered politics.
A Legacy of Electoral Integrity
The Diyano family has over a decade of experience leading this force. Notably, during the 2016 federal elections, the PSF refused to manipulate clan seat allocations, a stance that drew criticism from political actors who opposed former Puntland leader Abdiweli Ali Gaas. It is widely believed that the PSF will similarly refuse to interfere with the electoral process this year.
Deni’s Presidential Ambitions
In short, for President Deni, the path to Villa Somalia (the Somali presidential palace) appears to involve consolidating control over all institutions in Puntland. To secure the desired parliamentary seats, he seeks to dominate these institutions and rely on loyalist security forces to quell any hint of resistance.
As history has shown, the PSF remains the last bastion of opposition to this agenda. For this reason, Deni is willing to go to any length to bring the PSF—currently commanded by his political rivals—under his control.
There are growing fears that any military action by forces loyal to Deni could ignite conflict in a region that has thus far been spared major clashes, further compromising Deni’s chances of becoming Somalia’s next president.