The Minister of Information of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdifitah Qasim, said that the federal government has the constitutional right to recruit and establish the Somali National Army anywhere in Somalia, responding to recent orders from Puntland that stated that federal forces cannot be deployed in areas under its control.
“The government is recruiting forces from all over the country, and Puntland is no different from other administrations,” the minister said.
He said that Puntland is no different from Southwest, Jubbaland or Hirshabelle, and that the administration of the Somali National Army is the responsibility of the Federal Government of Somalia, while the President of the Republic is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The minister argued that the regional governments do not have the constitutional authority to prevent the establishment or recruitment of the national army, saying that this is normal and in accordance with the constitution.
Speaking about the 54th unit of the Somali National Army in Puntland, he said that its redeployment is not related to political issues, but that the current government is correcting the shortcomings of previous governments.
Abdifitaah Qasim also spoke about Somaliland, saying that Somaliland is part of Somalia, and that the Federal Government will continue diplomatic efforts and dialogue to preserve the unity of the country.
He noted that Somalia is using its diplomatic relations with international countries, the African Union, the Arab League, IGAD and other organizations to address existing challenges, stressing that the government does not prefer a military solution but prioritizes dialogue.
On security, the minister said that the government has achieved great successes in the fight against Al-Shabaab, and is committed to ending the areas where the group is still present in the country.
