Puntland State, a federal member of Somalia, recently held parliamentary and presidential elections, marking a key milestone in its state-building journey. However, Puntland stands at a critical crossroads in its quest for enduring peace and security, confronted by several challenges that demand targeted and strategic responses.
Over the past year, various crimes—including killings, gang rape/murder, robbery, carjacking, and the rise of armed drug cartels—have reached alarming levels. The situation was further exacerbated by armed clan militias who entered towns and posed a security threat.
In response to the significant security challenges facing Puntland, the Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC), in collaboration with the Puntland Police Commissioner, organized a Public-Police Citizen Forum. The event gathered approximately 150 participants, representing a broad spectrum of community members and key government officials.
The forum fostered greater collaboration and communication between the public and law enforcement institutions. The Puntland Police Commissioner, Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire, addressed the keynote speech, followed by a panel discussion featuring Nugal Regional Police Commander, Col. Mohamed Ali, and a senior official from the Criminal Investigation Department. The forum’s attendees included elders, youth, women groups, village leaders, educators from schools and universities, and the leadership of major hospitals.
