Political tensions between Somalia’s Federal Government and former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen continue to deepen, with both sides holding sharply different views on the country’s political direction and electoral process.

Reports indicate that officials in Mogadishu are considering a range of political, financial and diplomatic measures aimed at increasing pressure on the South West administration as the dispute reaches a critical stage.

According to emerging information, the Federal Government is reportedly weighing restrictions on the external engagements and movements of some South West leaders, while discussions are also underway about tightening federal oversight of funding and development projects destined for the Baidoa-based administration.

At the heart of the dispute is the future of Somalia’s electoral process and the broader political transition.

The Federal Government has been pursuing plans it says are necessary to move the country forward, while South West State and several political stakeholders have expressed reservations about the proposed electoral framework and the manner in which it is being implemented.

Laftagareen has repeatedly voiced positions that differ from those of the Federal Government, further widening the political divide between Baidoa and Mogadishu.

Analysts warn that a prolonged standoff could strain relations between the Federal Government and member states, particularly if either side pursues unilateral actions without political consensus.

There are also concerns that any restrictions on funding or development assistance to South West State could have wider consequences for public services, security operations and the livelihoods of residents across the region.

Political leaders and civil society groups have called on both sides to return to dialogue and resolve their differences through an inclusive political process.

They argue that disputes over elections and governance should be addressed through consultation rather than confrontation.

Observers stress that Somalia remains in a sensitive political period that requires cooperation, stability and sustained engagement between the Federal Government and regional administrations.

For now, the dispute between Mogadishu and Baidoa remains closely watched, with attention focused on what steps the Federal Government and South West State leadership will take in the coming weeks.

Fresh fighting broke out between Somali government forces and Al-Shabaab militants in the Basra area of Lower Shabelle region, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing the country despite ongoing military operations against the armed group.

According to local sources, the clash began shortly after the Asr prayer on Saturday and lasted for nearly 20 minutes. Residents reported that the fighting resulted in casualties, including deaths and injuries among the opposing sides.

Reports from the area indicate that at least five people from the warring parties were killed during the confrontation, although the casualty figures have not been independently verified and no official death toll has been released by authorities.

Sources familiar with the incident said the fighting started after officers from Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) launched an operation against an Al-Shabaab position located near government military bases in the area.

Following the operation, government forces reportedly withdrew from the targeted location, after which Al-Shabaab fighters attempted to attack nearby government positions.

Government troops are said to have repelled the assault, triggering a brief but intense exchange of fire.

Military officials later claimed that Al-Shabaab suffered significant losses during the fighting, but did not provide detailed information regarding the number of casualties.

Separately, Somalia’s elite Haramcad Police Unit announced that a military operation along the Shabelle River, particularly in the Baldooska and Alifoow areas, resulted in the killing of Abdinasir Farey, whom the force described as a senior Al-Shabaab leader, along with several of his bodyguards.

Al-Shabaab has not commented on the claim.

Basra and surrounding areas have witnessed repeated military operations against Al-Shabaab in recent years due to their strategic location in Lower Shabelle, a region that has long served as one of the group’s strongholds near the capital, Mogadishu.

In 2022, Somali government forces announced the recapture of several areas in Lower Shabelle from Al-Shabaab during a major offensive.

Those operations came at a heavy cost. Among those killed was General Farhan Mohamud Adan “Qaroole,” the commander of the Haramcad unit, along with several other senior officers accompanying him during combat operations in the region.

The latest clashes come as Somali government forces, supported by local fighters and international partners, continue military campaigns against Al-Shabaab across parts of southern and central Somalia.

The government has intensified efforts to weaken the group’s operational capabilities, although Al-Shabaab continues to launch attacks and maintain a presence in several rural areas despite sustained military pressure.