Garowe, Puntland – Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, has sharply criticised recent statements by federal officials which he says undermine security and social cohesion in Somalia.

Dirir was responding to comments attributed to the Federal Minister of State for Defence, who reportedly said that “only two sides are allowed to have weapons: the Government and Al-Shabaab.” The Puntland minister said such remarks damage public trust and appear to “legitimise the enemy of the country while weakening the people and other administrations.”

He also condemned a separate statement by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud suggesting that members of Al-Shabaab could obtain a NIRA (National Identification and Registration Authority) card. Dirir described this as a dangerous message that threatens public security and sends the wrong signal in the fight against extremist groups.

The minister stressed that Puntland regards Al-Shabaab as a clear and declared enemy and will not accept any move that could be interpreted as granting the group legal, political, or social legitimacy.

Dirir announced a firm stance by Puntland authorities, stating that the administration will not allow anyone in its territory to hold a document that could be used to legitimise Al-Shabaab. He warned that “any person found with a NIRA card is considered Al-Shabaab and will be arrested,” underscoring Puntland’s rejection of the federal position on the matter.