BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – The Southwest State administration of Somalia has today officially announced that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) is interfering in its affairs, accusing federal officials of arming militia groups, including individuals believed to be affiliated with the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, with government weapons and military uniforms.
Speaking at a press conference in Baidoa, the spokesperson for Southwest State, Ugaas Hassan Abdi, accused the federal government of equipping militia groups that they believe are linked to Al-Shabaab.
“After extensive engagement and dialogue with the Federal Government of Somalia at multiple levels, it has become clear to Southwest State that the federal government is carrying out a deliberate campaign aimed at undermining and destabilizing the state, as well as weakening the unity of its people,” said spokesperson Ugaas Hassan Abdi.
He further stated that large numbers of armed militias, equipped with government weapons and military uniforms, have been deployed into Southwest State territories, alleging that the federal government is behind these actions.
“When we observed the recent incidents involving the arming of unidentified militias, which appear to resemble a new Al-Shabaab presence being planted in Southwest State, and when we saw that Somali National Army weapons and uniforms were being used to equip groups that visually resemble Al-Shabaab, the Southwest State government made the decision to sever ties with the Federal Government of Somalia,” he added.
The federal authorities in Mogadishu did not comment on these allegations.
Tensions have been escalating in recent months between the federal government in Mogadishu and the Southwest State administration based in Baidoa.
The dispute is largely driven by disagreements over contested elections, with Southwest State seeking to conduct its elections independently.
Southwest State now becomes the third federal member state to sever ties with Mogadishu.
Previously, Puntland and Jubaland also cut ties with the federal government over disputes related to constitutional amendments and controversial elections, which they accused the federal authorities of using to extend their term in office.
Deadly clashes erupted in Baidoa in early February this year after militia groups—reportedly backed by politicians linked to the federal government—fought against Southwest State security forces.
The tensions have also led to the takeover of the towns of Buurhakaba and Qansax Dheere by militia groups opposed to the Southwest State administration.
Meanwhile, the President of Southwest State, Abdiasis Laftagareen, arrived in Baidoa this afternoon despite an air blockade imposed by the Federal Government of Somalia.
Earlier today, all passenger flights from Mogadishu to Baidoa were suspended.
The federal government had reportedly attempted to prevent President Laftagareen’s return.
He had been in Saudi Arabia over the past week performing Umrah. However, sources in Baidoa told Kaab TV that the president entered through a border town along the Somalia–Ethiopia border.
Even in Baidoa, his return was not pre-announced.