Former South West State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” has declared that he still considers himself the legitimate leader of the regional administration, underscoring the deepening political crisis that continues to divide South West State.
Speaking amid growing tensions between rival political factions, Laftagareen argued that his leadership was established through a lawful process and that he does not recognize efforts to remove him through what he described as political pressure or force.
His remarks come as competing claims over the leadership of South West State continue to fuel uncertainty in Baidoa and other parts of the region.
“I believe I am still the rightful President of South West State,” Laftagareen said, maintaining that the dispute is not merely political but also concerns constitutional legitimacy and the legal process through which regional leadership is determined.
The former regional leader also signaled that he is unwilling to step aside without a political settlement accepted by all parties, calling on his supporters to remain steadfast while urging stakeholders to seek a solution through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The dispute in South West State is part of a broader political standoff that has emerged in Somalia following disagreements over elections, constitutional reforms, and the balance of power between the Federal Government and regional administrations.
Relations between Mogadishu and several federal member states have often been strained over issues ranging from electoral processes to security management and political authority.
Federal authorities have repeatedly emphasized the importance of cooperation between the central government and federal member states, particularly on national security, governance reforms, and electoral matters.
However, leaders and supporters of some regional administrations have accused the Federal Government of interfering in internal regional affairs, including leadership transitions and political processes.
South West State, one of Somalia’s most strategically important federal member states, has been at the center of political tensions in recent months.
The regional capital, Baidoa, has witnessed competing political claims, military mobilizations, and clashes between forces aligned with rival factions, raising fears that the political crisis could further destabilize the region.
Laftagareen’s latest remarks are expected to intensify the political dispute, particularly as rival leaders continue to argue that South West State requires a change in leadership and a new political direction.
The central question remains who has the authority to determine the region’s political future and whether leadership disputes will be resolved through elections, negotiations, court rulings, or other political mechanisms.
Analysts warn that prolonged political uncertainty could have serious security implications, as Baidoa remains a key political and military hub in southern Somalia and plays an important role in operations against Al-Shabaab.
Supporters of Laftagareen argue that he was elected through a legitimate process and that any transition of power should follow constitutional and legal procedures rather than political pressure.
His opponents, however, maintain that South West State requires new leadership and reforms to address ongoing governance challenges.
For many residents of South West State, the greatest concern is that the political deadlock could evolve into a broader security crisis.
Community leaders and civil society groups have increasingly called for dialogue and compromise, warning that continued confrontation risks undermining stability, governance, and development efforts in a region already facing significant political and security challenges.