The National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Committee of Somalia has added 10 individuals suspected of links to Al-Shabaab to its financial sanctions list.
Among the individuals whose names were published is the former President of the South West State administration, Abdiaziz Hassan Laftagareen, alongside the former Commander of the Somali Correctional Forces, General Mahad Shubka.
The directive, issued today, mandates the freezing of assets belonging to those listed, prohibits financial transactions with them, and requires that any financial activities linked to them be reported immediately to the Financial Reporting Center of Somalia.
The committee stated that the measure is grounded in intelligence and evidence evaluated regarding suspected financial support for Al-Shabaab.
However, the published document did not detail the specific evidence pertaining to each individual upon which the decision was based.
Laftagareen was first elected to the leadership of South West State in 2018 and held office until late March 2026, when the Federal Government forcibly stripped him of power and established a new administration in South West State.
Since being ousted from power, President Laftagareen has maintained an offensive posture targeting Baidoa, launching approximately four armed incursions that resulted in significant casualties. Forces loyal to him are currently stationed on the outskirts of Baidoa.
According to the document, financial institutions and other entities governed by the law are prohibited from conducting transactions with the individuals on the list.
They are also legally mandated to freeze any assets owned by them and submit immediate reports to the Financial Reporting Center regarding any associated financial movements.
The Committee added that any financial relationship or facilitation provided to the listed individuals is strictly prohibited, emphasizing that anyone violating the decision will face legal prosecution under applicable counter-terrorism laws.