BAIDOA (Kaab TV) – The President of the South West State, Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed (Lafta Gareen), has officially announced his resignation from the presidency, according to a brief statement he posted on his official Facebook page.
The decision comes just hours after forces from the Federal Government of Somalia, along with opposition forces known as the “South West Salvation,” entered the city of Baydhabo.
Before stepping down, the former president appointed his Minister of Finance, Ahmed Mohamed Hussein, as Acting President to lead the administration until a final political resolution is reached.
According to reliable sources, Lafta Gareen and the Speaker of the South West Parliament, Ali Said Fiqi, have flown to Nairobi, refusing to travel to Mogadishu or surrender to the federal government.
Reports also indicate that following talks at the Baydhabo presidential palace, the Federal Government allowed Lafta Gareen to leave the city on the condition that he first resign from his position and transfer authority to the Minister of Finance pending new elections.
Lafta Gareen had governed South West State for seven years, and many people were surprised by how quickly he was removed from power within just a few hours.
Just days earlier, Lafta Gareen had been re-elected as president in a hastily organized election, which many believe further intensified federal government interference.