BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – Southwest State has issued a strong warning about the risk of civil war and a worsening humanitarian crisis amid escalating conflict with Somalia’s Federal Government over elections and constitutional changes.
President Abdiaziz Hassan “Laftagareen” shared a statement on X titled “Escalating Military Actions in Southwest State Risk Civil War and Humanitarian Catastrophe.”
The statement highlights that political disputes are being pursued through military force rather than constitutional processes, placing the country on a dangerous path.
It notes that Somali National Army forces, many trained and supported by international partners, are now being deployed against Southwest State. Specifically:
Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the United States – These countries have historically trained, advised, and supported Somali National Army forces, which are now reportedly being used for internal political objectives rather than counterterrorism.
Egypt – Provided light and heavy weapons intended for fighting Al Shabab; these are reportedly being diverted for use in internal conflict.
These development comes amid rising tensions between Mogadishu and Southwest State authorities, as political disputes over electoral processes and constitutional amendments have shifted from dialogue to military confrontation.
The Federal Government has deployed Somali National Army (SNA) forces, including elite units and regional militias, whom the SWS officials say that many are drawn from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s own clan, to cities and towns across Southwest State.
“At the same time, light and heavy weapons donated by the Government of Egypt for the fight against Al Shabab are reportedly being used in this internal conflict,” the statement adds.
“This diversion of resources comes as large parts of Bakool and Lower Shabelle, including Tiyeglow, Rabdhoore, Kurtunwaarey, and Sablale, remain under Al Shabab control, raising serious concerns about national priorities. There are also growing indications that these actions are part of a broader political strategy to weaken the federal system, including efforts to detach Lower Shabelle from Southwest State.”
Local communities widely perceive these deployments as a clan-driven attack, sharply escalating tensions. Large parts of Bakool and Lower Shabelle remain under Al Shabab control, raising concerns that resources are being misused while ongoing counterterrorism challenges persist.
The statement also warns of federal attempts to weaken the Southwest State, including potential detachment of Lower Shabelle and centralized control over oil and gas concessions with Türkiye.
As the statement warns: “The consequences of inaction will be severe, not only for Southwest State, but for the stability of Somalia as a whole.”
It calls on the international community to act before the crisis triggers mass displacement and a humanitarian catastrophe.
