Somalia federal government accuses Puntland leader of encouraging piracy

Somalia’s federal government has accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of encouraging piracy by making statements that appear to defend ransom payments. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stated that such rhetoric could incentivize further hijackings and fund criminal activities. The dispute follows the release of the Cameroon-flagged MV LUTUF, which was hijacked off the Puntland coast in August. While the federal government claims the vessel was freed through a Somali-Turkish military operation, Puntland authorities have alleged that the federal government and Türkiye paid a ransom to secure its release.

In response to regional security concerns, President Deni has ordered a crackdown in the Bari region. During a high-level security meeting, the Puntland administration announced measures to combat piracy, human trafficking, militant groups, and illegal weapons. New directives include a ban on possessing illegal weapons in cities and restrictions on vehicles capable of transporting military equipment without prior authorization. Authorities have also been instructed to intensify operations to secure territorial waters and the coastline.