NAIROBI (Kaab TV) – The ousted president of Somalia’s Southwest State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, has announced that he rejects the actions taken in Baidoa and does not recognize any authority established through coercion or military force.
In a statement to the media on Thursday, Laftagareen, who is currently in Nairobi, described himself as the “legitimate leadership of Southwest State.”
“The takeover of the city by forces aligned with the Federal Government is unconstitutional and without legal basis. It represents a serious setback to Somalia’s state-building efforts and undermines the progress achieved over more than two decades with the support of international partners,” Laftagareen said.
Laftagareen stated that, under the constitution of Southwest State, he remains the legitimate president.
“My departure from Baidoa was a responsible decision taken to prevent bloodshed and safeguard civilian lives,” he said, noting that he was forced to leave the city.
The Federal Government of Somalia, backed by clan militias, attacked Baidoa — the seat of Southwest State — in late March, forcing Laftagareen’s administration to flee.
Laftagareen, whose Facebook page carried a resignation post on March 28, has now withdrawn that position.
“I remain the legitimate president of Southwest State. I did not resign,” he added.
On elections in Southwest State, Laftagareen insisted that he will not recognize the federal government-led electoral process and called for inclusive and locally owned elections in the region.