Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued one of his strongest statements yet on relations between the Federal Government and Puntland, saying there is currently no formal cooperation between the two sides beyond Puntland’s status as part of the Somali Republic.

“Except for the fact that they are part of the Republic, today there is nothing between the Federal Government and Puntland,” President Hassan Sheikh said.

The remarks underscore the deepening political dispute between the Federal Government and Puntland, which has escalated in recent months over constitutional changes, the electoral process and the division of powers between Mogadishu and federal member states.

The latest disagreement centres on whether the Federal Government has the authority to deploy or recruit soldiers in areas under Puntland’s administration.

Puntland has previously said it would reject what it describes as interference in its internal security affairs, accusing the Federal Government of attempting to destabilise the regional administration.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, however, has maintained that the Federal Government is responsible for all national army personnel in Puntland and has the authority to recruit soldiers wherever needed.

“We represent that young man, and we are the government in charge. It is our duty to provide his rights, whether you accept it or reject it. You may speak about one thousand; we are recruiting 30,000 and we will give them their rights. Do whatever you want,” Prime Minister Barre said.

Barre also accused Puntland of obstructing federal government projects in the region, including road construction and the recruitment of teachers.

The dispute reflects the wider breakdown in relations between Mogadishu and Garowe, with no immediate signs that the two sides are moving toward restoring formal cooperation.