Baidoa (WDN)- The dispute between the Federal Government and the South West State is intensifying, with both sides exchanging escalating accusations. At the heart of the conflict is a growing rift between the President of the Federal Government, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the President of South West State, Abdiaziz Laftagareen. The two leaders were previously aligned; President Laftagareen was a member of the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), founded by President Hassan Sheikh, which brought together key branches of government, including the Federal Cabinet, Parliament, Judiciary, and the administrations of South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle.

President Hassan Sheikh had earlier reached an understanding with the leaders of these three Federal Member States—South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle—to delay regional elections beyond their constitutional terms in order to synchronize them with federal elections. This arrangement was widely criticized as unconstitutional, as it undermines the legal autonomy of Federal Member States to conduct their own elections independently.

Recent developments suggest that President Laftagareen believes President Hassan Sheikh has reneged on their agreement and no longer supports his return to office, instead backing alternative candidates for the South West presidency.

This fallout has led to rising tensions and military posturing. Federal cabinet ministers from South West have resigned, while many members of parliament have expressed support for Laftagareen. In response, the federal government reportedly deployed troops and weapons to South West, particularly to Brava, the state’s official capital and Buurhakaba.

Several politicians from South West, including former Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohamed Mursal, have accused President Hassan Sheikh of direct interference in the state’s internal affairs. Similarly, the Speaker of the South West Parliament, Ali Said Fiqi, alleged that weapons imported from Egypt—originally intended for national defense against Al-Shabaab—are now being used to destabilize the South West region. He warned that the misuse of such weapons would only inflame tensions and deepen divisions within society.

With his term nearing its end on May 2026, President Hassan Sheikh made an urgent visit to Ethiopia following the outbreak of the conflict, where Ethiopian troops are already present in South West State. Many observers believe the trip was aimed at securing political and military support, a move that could further escalate the conflict rather than resolve it.

President Laftagareen is determined to maintain his hold on power in South West. The dispute with the federal government largely stems from the realization that he no longer has the backing of President Hassan Sheikh for another term in office.

The situation continues to deteriorate, raising fears of an imminent armed confrontation in South West State. This comes at a time when Somalia is already facing severe drought, economic hardship, and the broader pressures linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

WardheerNews