Puntland (Raxanreeb Online) — Scores of vehicles have been stranded along the main road linking Bosaso and Qardho after Puntland security forces blocked the route in protest over several months of unpaid salaries and other financial entitlements.

The protesting personnel are reportedly demanding payment of salaries and benefits that they say have remained outstanding for months. The roadblock has caused significant disruption to the movement of passengers, commercial vehicles and goods between the two major cities.

The Puntland administration has faced growing criticism over allegations that it has failed to pay salaries and other entitlements owed to members of the security forces and civil servants for up to eight months.

The latest protest comes as the Puntland government has, in recent days, reportedly taken back control of hundreds of soldiers who had previously been receiving salaries from the Federal Government of Somalia.

Some of these forces had earlier withdrawn from, or distanced themselves from, the administration of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, citing prolonged delays in the payment of their salaries and other entitlements.

The blockade of the Bosaso–Qardho road has affected travellers and businesses that rely on the route, raising concerns over the wider economic and security implications should the disruption continue.

It remains unclear how long the forces will maintain the roadblock or whether the Puntland authorities have opened negotiations with the protesting personnel to resolve the dispute and restore normal traffic along the route.