Monday October 6, 2025
FILE - Puntland’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Farah Juha
Garowe (HOL) — Puntland’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Farah Juha, has denied reports that Puntland and Somaliland discussed joint efforts to pressure the newly declared “North Eastern Administration,” saying their talks focused solely on regional stability, counterterrorism, and trade cooperation.
Juha told reporters that the two-day dialogue between Puntland and Somaliland representatives resulted only in the joint communiqué released on Sunday, which emphasized peacebuilding and economic ties between the two neighbouring administrations.
“The statement reflects exactly what was discussed, nothing more,” Juha said. “Our talks centred on cooperation in security, countering terrorism, trade, and movement between our people. The issue of Las Anod or the so-called North Eastern Administration was never on the agenda.”
Juha's comments come as Somaliland’s Defence Minister confirmed to the BBC Somali Service that the two sides also discussed ways to prevent the establishment of the North Eastern Administration, signalling a rare alignment between the rival territories on regional security matters. His remarks follow speculation that Puntland and Somaliland had reached a mutual understanding to counter the formation of a new administrative unit announced by elders and local figures in Las Anod. The proposed entity, dubbed the “North Eastern Administration,” has reignited political debate across northern Somalia, where overlapping claims and allegiances remain sensitive.
Asked whether Puntland had dropped its historical territorial dispute with Somaliland, Juha said his government had chosen dialogue over confrontation.
“Are we supposed to live in a constant state of war?” he said. “We have chosen to live peacefully with Somaliland so that stability returns to the Sanaag region. Political issues can be addressed when the time is right.”
Juha described the talks as a constructive development for both sides and for Somalia more broadly, stressing that long-term peace and cooperation would benefit the entire Horn of Africa.
“This is an important step for Puntland, Somaliland, and for the region as a whole. Peace and stability are what our people have long sought,” he added.
The minister declined to provide details on how Puntland plans to respond to the emerging administration in Las Anod, but noted that both sides face shared security threats along their borders, particularly in the Cal Madow mountain range.
“We are fighting Daesh militants in Al Madow,” Juha said. “Cooperation between both administrations’ institutions on this front is essential.”