BAIDOA (Kaab TV) — Authorities in Somalia’s South West State have accused a newly formed political group in Mogadishu of plotting to destabilize the Baidoa-based regional administration, in a move that has escalated political tensions between the federal member state and opposition figures in the capital.
Speaking at a press conference in Baidoa on Sunday, South West Information Minister Mohamed Ibrahim Bilal claimed that an armed faction is being secretly organized in Mogadishu with the intention of undermining the region’s peace and stability.
“Somalis are aware—and we are aware—of where the President of South West stands on issues of party politics and state-building in Somalia,” said Bilal, referring to President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen).
“We will not accept a group creating chaos in Mogadishu to be sent here to disrupt our administration.”
Bilal, who appeared to echo the views of President Laftagareen, emphasized that the South West administration would not tolerate any “covert armed groups” aiming to threaten its authority or endanger civilians.
He added that credible intelligence suggests plans are underway to transfer militia forces into South West territory, warning that any such attempt would be met with both legal and military consequences.
President Laftagareen recently returned to Baidoa after attending the latest National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu.
His return followed reports of a dispute with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who had reportedly urged Laftagareen to align with his newly rebranded political movement, the Justice and Solidarity Party (formerly known as the Union for Peace and Democracy).
Confusion remains around the rebranding and internal dynamics of the party.
A counter-response
Sources close to Laftagareen say he was frustrated that some of his political rivals had already joined the federal president’s camp.
His abrupt return to Baidoa appears to have triggered a counter-response from a group of Rahaweyn politicians now organizing against his leadership from Mogadishu.
Among the outspoken critics is Mohamed Abdi Hamid, who claims to lead the Democratic Party for Change, a Mogadishu-based opposition movement.
He dismissed the South West government’s allegations as an attempt to silence dissent.
“We call on the South West authorities to retract Sunday’s statement, which seeks to suppress legitimate political opposition to Laftagareen’s administration,” Hamid said.
The opposition group is reportedly linked to a former political figure from Baidoa who is now based in Mogadishu.
Minister Bilal urged the South West public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activities to security forces, warning that any threats to the administration’s stability will be dealt with firmly.