Somali authorities have held school exams in eastern Sanaag region

 

Somaliland Challenges Puntland, Holds Exams in Disputed Sanaag Region

Hargeisa – Somaliland authorities have held school exams in eastern Sanaag region, escalating tensions in a region disputed with Puntland, which has explicitly banned the tests.

Secondary school and eighth-grade exams began on Saturday in Badan, Dahar, and other towns, despite the Puntland governor's directive banning any Somaliland-led education initiatives.

According to Hiraan Online, armed elements from eastern Sanaag provided security at exam centers, while local politicians loyal to Somaliland reportedly facilitated logistics and ensured the exams proceeded.

Puntland officials' efforts to halt the exams faltered when their attempt to disrupt them in Badan failed, and the state withdrew its law enforcement teams, although no clashes were reported.

Puntland's Minister of Education, Fuad Abshir, blamed regional politicians from Sanaag for coordinating with Somaliland's Ministry of Education, saying, "These officials are undermining Puntland's sovereignty by enabling Somaliland's agenda in our territory."

Indicating growing political unease, Puntland's Parliament Speaker, Abdirizak Ahmed, traveled to Dahar on Sunday to rally local leaders and restore Puntland's authority in the disputed region.

The dispute over education jurisdiction reflects a deeper regional rivalry between Puntland and Somaliland, both of which claim sovereignty over Sanaag and Sool regions.

While Puntland administers large parts of the region, Somaliland continues to assert its authority through state services, including education and the deployment of security forces.

The ongoing exams represent significant symbolic progress for Somaliland in the disputed areas, raising broader questions about governance, legitimacy, and the limits of Puntland's influence in the north.