The standoff between Puntland President Sa’id Abdillahi Deni and the elite U.S.-trained Puntland Security Forces (PSF) led by General Mohamud Osman Diyaano has exposed deep political and clan divisions in the state. Tensions began in November 2021 when Deni attempted to replace Diyaano with a political ally, sparking fierce resistance from the Bah Dir Rooble subclan of the Osman Mohamud, who claim a sense of ownership over the PSF. The dispute escalated into deadly clashes in Bosaaso, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced. Mediation efforts by Puntland politicians failed, prompting traditional Majerteen elders to intervene with a six-point demand that went beyond the immediate conflict, including reinstating Diyaano, expelling P&O Ports from Bosaaso, and reallocating state ministries. Deni, facing diminished political support, appeared to embrace the elders’ demands in an effort to defuse tensions. While this temporarily eased the crisis, it left unresolved the deeper issues of clan politics, institutional authority, and governance in Puntland.