Puntland Retaliates After IS-Somalia's Major Assault
In response to Islamic State Somalia’s (IS-Somalia) massive assault on a Puntland military base on December 31—considered the group’s largest operation in Somalia to date—local security forces have launched counterattacks over the past week.
The attack on Dharjaale, located in the Bari region, stood out for both its scale and the diversity of its attackers, who included Tanzanians, Moroccans, Saudis, Libyans, Tunisians, Yemenis, and Ethiopians. This highlights IS-Somalia’s transnational character.
Unlike the Federal Government of Somalia, which benefits from significant international military assistance, Puntland—a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia—operates with far less external support. Relations between Puntland and the central government have been strained since Puntland cut ties, opposing a proposed new federal state that would encroach on its territory. Consequently, Puntland has been left to combat IS-Somalia and al-Shabaab independently.
Despite these challenges, Puntland’s security forces have intensified their campaign to dismantle extremist strongholds in the rugged Bari region. On January 5, the Puntland Defense Forces reportedly seized the strategic town of Timirshe, a critical hub for IS-Somalia operations. They also cleared the road to Ballidhidin, a vital supply line for the group.
Anticipating fierce resistance, Puntland forces are now advancing deeper into the mountains, aiming to capture remaining extremist bases. These developments mark a significant shift in the region’s security dynamics, as IS-Somalia is likely to contest these gains aggressively to sustain its operational presence.
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A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
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