MOGADISHU, Somalia — The European Union has urged Somalia’s federal government and authorities in South West State to resolve escalating political and security tensions through dialogue.
EU Ambassador to Somalia Francesca Di Mauro said the bloc is closely monitoring the deteriorating situation between the federal government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and South West State President Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen.
“The European Union is concerned about the worsening situation in South West. Effective dialogue is crucial at this time, and all mediation efforts must be welcomed and given a chance,” Di Mauro said in a post on X.
She cautioned that continued tensions could lead to serious political and security consequences, particularly in a region considered critical to counterterrorism efforts against al-Shabab.
The dispute is rooted in disagreements over elections and governance, with both sides at odds over the region’s political future.
The tensions have already affected parts of South West State, prompting growing calls for an urgent, peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation.
The developments come a day after a plane carrying federal government officials came under gunfire while at Waajid airport in the Bakool region, underscoring the severity of the standoff
