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BOSASO — Armed soldiers from the regional security forces in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region have blockaded the main entrance of Bosaso General Hospital, protesting months of unpaid salaries, according to reports from local radio station Dalsan.
The protest, which began on Saturday, has severely disrupted access for patients and families seeking urgent medical care in the commercial hub on the Gulf of Aden.
Witnesses and security officials confirmed that the protesting troops set up roadblocks, turning away ambulances and civilians.
A soldier involved in the protest told reporters, “We have not been paid for months, and our complaints are ignored. We are left with no choice.”
Medical staff at the hospital have voiced concerns that the blockade endangers lives and could delay critical treatment for trauma and maternity patients. The standoff highlights persistent financial issues within Puntland’s security apparatus.
The protest follows a recent graduation ceremony of nearly 500 new police recruits, who also faced brief strikes over allowances during their training.
Analysts say that Puntland, traditionally more stable than southern Somalia, is experiencing growing financial pressures.
Repeated instances of delayed salaries and poor welfare for its armed forces have triggered mutinies, raising serious concerns about troop morale and the region’s long-term ability to counter militant threats.
Puntland authorities have not yet commented on the situation. The blockade remains in effect as of late Saturday, with no indication of a resolution.
