The Director of Somalia’s Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), Mohamud Moalim, revealed on Saturday that the northeastern state of Puntland had rejected federal humanitarian access that is for the treatment of soldiers injured in ongoing clashes with ISIS militants.
Speaking from Jalalaqsi town in Hiran region, Moalim explained that he had personally reached out to Puntland President Saeed Abdullahi Deni, requesting permission to evacuate the wounded soldiers for medical treatment and deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in need.
According to Moalim, Deni turned down the request, citing political tensions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, though no further clarification was offered.
Humanitarian Access Blocked
Moalim expressed deep concern over the implications of this refusal, stressing the contradiction of regional states—created to decentralize governance and expand services—now acting as barriers to humanitarian access.
He likened Puntland’s decision to the tactics of Al-Shabaab, who similarly restrict access to aid in areas under their control.
He questioned the government’s overall ability to distribute humanitarian relief effectively if large regions remain inaccessible due to both insurgent control and political disputes with federal authorities.
Political Rivalries Overshadow Humanitarian Needs
Puntland officials have not yet responded to Moalim’s remarks.
However, SODMA director himself has long faced criticism over alleged corruption, mismanagement of aid, and politicization of humanitarian assistance, raising questions about the credibility of his statements.
Growing Risk of Humanitarian Crisis
The standoff highlights the fragile relationship between Somalia’s federal government and its federal member states, where political rivalries often obstruct urgent humanitarian operations.
Analysts warn that if such disputes continue, soldiers on the frontlines and civilians in conflict-affected regions risk being left without lifesaving assistance.
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