Puntland deploys troops to block voter registration in Sool region
Monday September 8, 2025
Las Anod (HOL) — Puntland authorities have deployed troops to parts of the Sool region in an attempt to halt voter registration for one-person, one-vote elections launched by Somalia’s federal government and the newly declared Northeastern administration.
Residents told HOL that Puntland forces moved into Boocame district and the nearby Falariyale area, where federal and Northeastern electoral commissions had begun registration.
Both areas are home to Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, who has openly rejected voter registration there.
Local sources say the vice president is mobilizing his clan-based forces and has warned that they will resist any attempt to carry out registration. Lugatoor recently visited the contested districts, declaring them part of Puntland and laying foundation stones for development projects funded by his administration.
The moves heighten fears of armed confrontation between Puntland and the Northeastern administration, which broke away earlier this year with backing from Mogadishu. Last week, Northeastern President Abdikadir Ahmed Firdhiye, alongside Somalia’s Interior Minister, inaugurated voter registration for local elections in Las Anod.
Puntland leaders strongly oppose the creation of the Northeastern state and remain at odds with the federal government over territorial claims and election models.
Monday September 8, 2025
Las Anod (HOL) — Puntland authorities have deployed troops to parts of the Sool region in an attempt to halt voter registration for one-person, one-vote elections launched by Somalia’s federal government and the newly declared Northeastern administration.
Residents told HOL that Puntland forces moved into Boocame district and the nearby Falariyale area, where federal and Northeastern electoral commissions had begun registration.
Both areas are home to Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, who has openly rejected voter registration there.
Local sources say the vice president is mobilizing his clan-based forces and has warned that they will resist any attempt to carry out registration. Lugatoor recently visited the contested districts, declaring them part of Puntland and laying foundation stones for development projects funded by his administration.
The moves heighten fears of armed confrontation between Puntland and the Northeastern administration, which broke away earlier this year with backing from Mogadishu. Last week, Northeastern President Abdikadir Ahmed Firdhiye, alongside Somalia’s Interior Minister, inaugurated voter registration for local elections in Las Anod.
Puntland leaders strongly oppose the creation of the Northeastern state and remain at odds with the federal government over territorial claims and election models.
