Trade Route Standoff in Puntland Enters Tenth Day, Economic Losses Mount
A key customs checkpoint in Harfo, Mudug region, remains under the control of mutinous soldiers, disrupting one of Puntland’s main trade routes and stranding hundreds of cargo trucks carrying goods from the port of Boosaaso. The standoff, now in its tenth day, has raised concerns over economic losses and rising prices as shipments of food and other essentials are blocked.
According to reports, the troops seized control of the vital highway after claiming they had not received salaries from the Puntland administration. The detained trucks, laden with fresh produce, are now facing spoilage, further exacerbating the economic impact of the crisis.
Local elders have been linked to the standoff, with former Harfo district commissioner Abdiqaadir Omar Mohaamed (Jeylaani) accusing traditional leaders in Mudug of fuelling the unrest. “This is not spontaneous – the soldiers belong to clans, and their elders are backing them,” he said, warning that taxpaying civilians were being unfairly punished.
The Puntland government has yet to comment publicly on the standoff, drawing criticism from local leaders who say the administration has failed to resolve a crisis that is paralysing trade and deepening public frustration. The lack of response has sparked concerns over the government’s ability to address the underlying issues driving the unrest.
As the standoff continues, the economic losses are mounting, and the impact on the local population is becoming increasingly severe. With trade routes blocked and goods unable to reach their destinations, prices are rising, and the availability of essential goods is dwindling. The crisis highlights the need for a swift and effective resolution to prevent further economic hardship and social unrest.
The situation in Puntland serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges facing the region, where clan dynamics and traditional leadership structures often intersect with formal governance systems. As the standoff enters its tenth day, all eyes are on the Puntland government to see how it will address the crisis and restore stability to the region.
