The federal government of Somalia has announced that the mandate of South West State’s president and administration has officially expired, escalating an ongoing political standoff
In a statement, the Interior Ministry said it will no longer recognise any appointments or dismissals made by the regional leadership, signalling a major breakdown in relations between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous state
Federal authorities argue that President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has exceeded his legal term and is now governing without legitimacy
However, officials in South West State reject this position, accusing the central government of overreach and interference in regional affairs
The government said local administrations would continue functioning temporarily while consultations take place with traditional elders to organise new councils and avoid instability
The dispute comes amid broader political tensions following recent constitutional changes approved by Somalia’s federal parliament, which South West State has strongly opposed
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities in the regional capital Baidoa have suspended all commercial and private flights, allowing only humanitarian and official flights operated by organisations such as the United Nations and the African Union
The growing deadlock raises concerns about potential instability in a country already facing security challenges and fragile governance structures
Source: TRT Afrika
