Puntland Officials Silence on U.S. Airstrike That Killed President’s Close Friend and Prominent Peacemaker

The recent airstrike by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Puntland, which targeted and killed a prominent elder, Omar Abdullahi Abdi, has left both local communities and the Somali federal government grappling with a complex and concerning silence from the Puntland regional authorities. Despite the airstrike occurring on October 13, 2023, and despite increasing calls for clarity from the public, Puntland highest officialls has remained largely unresponsive. This reticence raises several important questions regarding the regional government’s transparency, accountability, and possible internal political dynamics.

The Lack of Transparency and Accountability

In the aftermath of the attack, the government of Puntland, under President Said Abdullahi Deni, has failed to issue any formal condolences or comment on the incident, despite Omar’s close ties with the leadership and his important role in the region’s peacebuilding efforts. The only public statement of sympathy came from the Speaker of the Puntland Parliament, Abdirisaq Ahmed Said, who expressed his sorrow privately on Facebook two days after the incident. This absence of a coordinated official response is striking and suggests a deeper issue within the region’s governance structure.

The silence has created a vacuum of information, leaving the community in confusion. The family of the slain elder, along with other local leaders, have voiced their frustration over the lack of transparency and the absence of any concrete action from the Puntland authorities. The reluctance to address the killing publicly has understandably caused further distrust and suspicion, particularly from the family, who are left without answers about the motivations behind the airstrike.

Internal Political Pressures and the Federal Response

Puntland’s failure to address the matter also coincides with growing concerns from the federal government. Minister of Defense Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, in particular, has called for clarity from Puntland regarding the circumstances of the airstrike. He pointed out that Puntland, as the regional authority, bears responsibility for sharing information related to military operations within its territory. However, Puntland officials have largely deflected these questions, with the Ministry of Information and other key spokespersons refusing to comment on the attack.

This lack of accountability suggests that internal political pressures may be influencing Puntland’s handling of the case. There could be concerns over the potential fallout from the attack, particularly given the sensitive nature of the U.S. military’s involvement. Whether the Puntland government was complicit in providing intelligence for the operation or was simply caught off guard remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that the absence of an official narrative creates an environment of uncertainty and suspicion.

The Role of the U.S. and International Implications

The lack of a detailed explanation from AFRICOM has added to the confusion. While the U.S. military has claimed that the target of the airstrike was an individual involved in arms trafficking for al-Shabaab, there has been little transparency regarding the specific details of the operation or the identity of those involved. This has raised doubts not only within Puntland but also within Somalia’s broader political community.

Given the ongoing military collaboration between the United States and the Somali federal government, it is crucial for both parties to provide clarity regarding operations conducted in Somali territory. Without full transparency, the credibility of both the Puntland and Somali federal governments could be at stake, as well as the integrity of international relations with key allies.

The Growing Calls for Justice and Accountability

Despite the silence from Puntland, local communities and leaders in the Sanaag region continue to demand justice for Omar, as Sultan Said, respected leader in the region, has called for accountability, stating that the community will not rest until the truth about the killing is revealed. The elder’s clan and supporters have also voiced their demands for an independent investigation into the attack, which they argue was a clear violation of justice.

As the investigation into the airstrike remains unresolved, pressure is mounting on both the Puntland government and AFRICOM to provide more detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the killing. The community’s outrage and demands for accountability highlight the broader issue of governance and transparency in Somalia’s federal system, particularly in regions where local and international actors are involved in military operations.

In my view, Puntland’s silence on this issue is deeply concerning. As a region that has long prided itself on maintaining stability and security in a volatile country, Puntland’s failure to address the killing of a prominent elder, especially one so closely connected to its leadership, undermines its credibility. The fact that the President, Cabinet, and Parliament have all refrained from commenting or investigating this incident raises serious questions about the transparency of the regional government.

The silence also creates an unsettling atmosphere for the people of Puntland especilly Sanag and elders community, who are left without answers. In a region where trust in leadership is fragile, withholding information only deepens suspicion and resentment. The Puntland authorities must take responsibility for their role in this tragic event, clarify their position, and ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out to bring closure to the elder’s family and the wider community.

Moreover, the lack of clarity from the U.S. military on its operations in Somalia only exacerbates the situation. If the international community, particularly the United States, expects to maintain its partnerships in Somalia, it must operate with greater transparency. The people of Somalia, including those in Sanaag and the elders family and community, have a right to know the full details of any military operations conducted on their soil that killed their leader.

The situation surrounding the killing of peacemaker Omar highlights the pressing need for greater accountability from both local and international actors involved in Somali affairs. Without clear answers, the calls for justice will only grow louder, and the political ramifications for Puntland and the broader Somali government will continue to unfold.

By Ahmed Mohamed Salah

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.