MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) — The President of South West State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, has returned to Mogadishu just days after his abrupt departure due to political tensions related to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s newly rebranded party.
President Laftagareen had initially come to Mogadishu to attend the Madasa conference but left amid disagreements surrounding the composition and direction of the United Party for Development (UPD), which has recently been renamed the “Justice and Unity Party.”
Sources indicate that Laftagareen was hesitant about joining the rebranded party, reportedly due to internal disputes over its name and the inclusion of certain members—particularly those aligned with the opposition in South West State. He denied claims that the party includes figures actively opposing his administration.
Despite his earlier withdrawal, Laftagareen has now returned to the capital. A source close to the South West State presidency told Kaab TV that he is expected to attend the official announcement ceremony of the party’s new name, the “Justice and Unity Party.”
It remains unclear whether Laftagareen was persuaded to return by political assurances or pressure. Notably, Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, the former director of Villa Somalia and a current presidential hopeful for South West State, now serves as the party’s secretary. His inclusion is seen as politically sensitive given his rivalry with Laftagareen.
Another prominent figure recently added to the party is Sheikh Adan Madobe, the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, who is also considered a political competitor to Laftagareen.
Laftagareen’s return comes just two days after South West State’s Minister of Information, Mohamed Ibrahim Bilal, accused certain political factions in Mogadishu of organizing armed opposition against the South West administration.
The opposition group, reportedly operating out of Mogadishu, is led by Mohamed Adan Farkeeti, a former Minister of Finance and a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Whether Laftagareen returned voluntarily or under pressure remains uncertain. However, his presence at the upcoming party event suggests a potential shift in his stance toward collaboration with President Hassan Sheikh’s political movement.