Political Inclusion is the Only Viable Solution in South West State of Somalia

[Deeq A.]

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivers remarks at the 2023 Baidoa Conference on Reconciliation and Dialogue for South West State of Somalia.

Baidoa (PP Editorial) — The allegations made by the President of South West State of Somalia, Abdiaziz Laftagareen, against the Federal Government of Somalia are serious but remain unsubstantiated. The timing of these claims, made on the same day he briefed the media on suspending co-operation with the Federal Government, of Somalia appears, at the very least, disingenuous.

President Laftagareen alleged that the Federal Government of Somalia “had supplied weapons and ammunition to the South West State Salvation Forces in Buur Hakaba.” He further claimed that the Federal Government had persuaded Al-Shabaab to allow these weapons to pass through territories under its control. Such assertions are grave. However, accusations of sympathy for, or links with, Al-Shabaab have become an all-too-common political tactic within Somali political circles, often deployed without credible evidence.

In response, a group of Members of Parliament, Senators and former South West State ministers issued a statement in Mogadishu rejecting the decision to suspend co-operation with the Federal Government.

It is worth recalling that in 2022, when President Laftagareen faced significant challenges to his leadership as his mandate approached expiry, the Federal Government of Somalia convened a summit in Baidoa. This meeting resulted in the postponement of the indirect elections that had been scheduled for December 2022, four years after his initial election. The summit, chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed, helped to ease tensions and effectively brought the South West administration within the political orbit of Villa Somalia.

Unlike Jubaland, which withdrew from the National Consultative Council to amend its constitution, particularly provisions relating to the presidential term, and proceeded to hold indirect elections in 2024, President Laftagareen relied on the Federal Government’s mediation in 2022 to remain in power. Since then, he has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of the legislative agenda of the current administration in Mogadishu.

The Constitution of South West State of Somalia clearly stipulates a presidential term of four years. However, President Laftagareen has now remained in office for seven years and three months. It is also notable that the Federal Government played a central role in facilitating the formation of South West State nearly 13 years ago.

More recently, South West State has called for international mediation, to be held in a neutral location, in order to discuss a national electoral model ahead of the end of the Federal Government’s term on 15 May 2026. As matters stand, President Laftagareen’s extended tenure raises legitimate questions about his political legitimacy, particularly with regard to participation in national-level summits.

The most viable path forward for South West State would be to open up the political space and engage rival political actors in a genuine, good-faith dialogue aimed at resolving the current impasse.   

© Puntland Post, 2026