Somaliland rejects Puntland’s terrorism allegations as baseless

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Wednesday March 5, 2025

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland has dismissed allegations from Puntland officials that it is aiding terrorist groups, calling the claims "baseless and desperate accusations" that are "devoid of merit."

The accusations surfaced after Puntland security forces reportedly recovered documents suggesting that wounded ISIS fighters had received medical treatment at hospitals in Hargeisa and that businesses in Somaliland allegedly supplied goods to the militant group. Puntland has launched an investigation but has not publicly presented evidence to substantiate its claims.

In a statement posted Wednesday, the Somaliland Ministry of Information dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, asserting that peace and security are the country's cornerstone and that Somaliland has consistently been recognized as one of the most stable territories in the region.

"The Republic of Somaliland is a nation where peace and stability serve as its fundamental pillar, a foundation on which it has thrived. Furthermore, the global community recognizes Somaliland as the most stable territory in the Horn of Africa, while neighbouring countries aspire to enjoy similar peace and stability," the ministry stated.

Somaliland's statement cited Article 10, Section 7 of its constitution, which explicitly mandates a stance against terrorism.

"The Republic of Somaliland opposes terrorism, regardless of its purpose or origin," the ministry stated, adding that Somaliland is the only country in the region where counterterrorism is explicitly enshrined in the constitution.

The statement goes on to say that Somaliland has maintained a historical track record of combating terrorism and piracy, ensuring that its territory remains free from extremist threats.

"The measures taken by Somaliland to prevent terrorism have served as a protective barrier for the entire region," the ministry declared.

Puntland lawmakers and Somali political figures have claimed that individuals from Somaliland, particularly those who oppose its push for independence and have been detained in Hargeisa, later joined Al-Shabaab. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has vowed to escalate efforts against those allegedly financing or aiding ISIS, announcing that the third phase of Operation Hillaac will focus on dismantling logistical and financial networks linked to the militant group.

In response, Somaliland dismissed these allegations as "nothing more than unfounded rhetoric."

"The baseless and desperate accusations recently made by officials from the Puntland regional administration of Somalia are nothing more than unfounded rhetoric devoid of merit—statements that can best be described as 'words without substance,'" the ministry said.

The statement reaffirmed that Somaliland remains fully committed to counterterrorism efforts and effectively cooperates with neighbouring countries on security matters.

Hiiraan Online has not independently verified the authenticity of the documents Puntland forces claim to have recovered.

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