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Wounded Puntland soldiers accuse military support committee of embezzlement, sparking a political and humanitarian scandal that has rocked the semi-autonomous region. The allegations, made by soldiers injured in the ongoing battle against ISIS militants in the Al-Miskaad Mountains, have triggered public outrage and prompted urgent intervention from Puntland’s top leadership.
On Sunday, a group of wounded soldiers left hospitals in Bosaso, claiming they could no longer endure the poor conditions and lack of medical support. Speaking to local media, the injured troops said they had been abandoned by the government and that hospitals had ceased providing free treatment due to unpaid bills. They accused the Puntland Military Support Committee—tasked with overseeing their care—of misappropriating funds raised by citizens, particularly from the diaspora, for private gain.
“The government has turned its back on us,” said one soldier. “The funds donated by our people were meant to treat the wounded, but we are now left without care or dignity.”
The accusations have ignited a firestorm of criticism, especially given the sacrifices made by Puntland’s forces in the months-long campaign against ISIS in the rugged Al-Miskaad Mountains. Hundreds of soldiers have been killed or injured in the offensive, which is widely seen as a defining battle for the region’s security.
In response to the growing unrest, Puntland’s First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Baari Shire, led a delegation to meet with the wounded soldiers in Bosaso. The officials promised that their grievances would be addressed and that steps were being taken to restore their medical support. However, the soldiers remain skeptical, demanding transparency and accountability from those entrusted with their welfare.
The scandal has also drawn a swift response from President Said Abdullahi Deni, who was reportedly briefed on the situation within hours. According to sources close to the presidency, Deni ordered the immediate medical evacuation of the wounded to Garowe, where they would receive proper treatment under closer government supervision. He also issued a stern warning to members of the support committee, vowing that anyone found guilty of corruption or negligence would be removed from office.
“There will be no tolerance for those who enrich themselves while soldiers bleed on the battlefield,” a senior official told local media.
The controversy has exposed deep flaws in the management of wartime resources and raised questions about the oversight of public donations. Diaspora communities have contributed millions of dollars to support the military campaign, but the lack of transparency in how those funds are used has fueled growing mistrust.
Families of injured soldiers say many have been permanently disabled and are now living in hardship. “Our sons gave everything for this country, and now they are being treated like they don’t matter,” said one parent.
Observers say the scandal could become a major test for Deni’s administration, especially as public support for the anti-ISIS campaign remains high. Calls are mounting for a full audit of the Military Support Committee’s finances and the establishment of an independent body to oversee the care of wounded soldiers.
As the government scrambles to contain the fallout, the wounded soldiers’ voices are growing louder, demanding not just medical care but justice. Their plight has become a rallying cry for accountability in Puntland—a reminder that the cost of war extends far beyond the battlefield.