MOGADISHU, Somalia — A political rift is growing between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and South West State leader Abdiasis Laftagareen over elections, reforms, and federal versus regional authority.
The dispute follows Somalia’s federal parliament approving contested constitutional amendments March 5, which Mohamud signed March 8, sparking debate among political leaders, opposition figures, and analysts across the country.
Tensions escalated after Laftagareen withdrew support for the federal government’s reform campaign and opposed local council elections planned in mid-April across federal member states aligned with Mogadishu.
Sources say Villa Somalia increased political pressure on Baidoa, the South West administrative capital, prompting fears of efforts to weaken regional authority or remove Laftagareen from leadership.
South West officials responded by tightening security in Baidoa and nearby towns, restricting Somali National Army travel, amid claims federal authorities interfered in funding, regional command, and political structures.
Analysts say the standoff tests whether Somalia’s constitutional reforms strengthen federalism or deepen divisions, highlighting historical tensions, past election controversies, and regional security dynamics involving Ethiopia and neighboring Djibouti.
