#UPDATE: Somalia’s Political Rift Widens After Contentious Regional Election
Political tensions between
#Somalia’s federal government and the South West State administration have escalated following a contentious regional election held in
#Baidoa on Saturday, where incumbent an Mohamed, widely known as Lafta-Gareen, was re-elected for another four-year term.
on Saturday, where incumbent President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, widely known as Lafta-Gareen, was re-elected for another four-year term.
Swift electoral process
The vote, described by observers as unusually swift, was completed in less than 48 hours, encompassing the announcement of the electoral timetable, the selection of lawmakers, the election of parliamentary leadership, and the presidential vote. Shamsa Mohamed Yarow was also elected as the Second Deputy Speaker of the South West Parliament.
Federal government rejection
Somalia’s federal government strongly rejected the process, labeling it “illegal” and a “pre-planned self-appointment.” In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said the election violated agreements reached by the National Consultative Council, as well as electoral laws and constitutional provisions, arguing that it did not reflect the will of the people in South West State.
Opposition support
However, several prominent opposition figures expressed support for the outcome. Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmaajo, congratulated Lafta-Gareen and urged him to advance the administration’s priorities.
Former transitional president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also welcomed the election, framing it as a step toward resolving political uncertainty. Lawmaker Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame called on the regional leadership to prioritize dialogue and public trust.
Mixed regional reactions
Regional reactions have been mixed.
#Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam sent congratulations, while
#Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni has yet to issue an official response.
Other federal member states aligned with the federal government, including
#Galmudug,
#Northwest nd
#Hirshabelle, have remained largely silent.
Security concerns
The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (
#UNTMIS) has warned that the dispute risks triggering broader instability and worsening Somalia’s humanitarian situation.
Meanwhile, security concerns are mounting, with reports of opposition-aligned forces mobilizing near Baidoa, raising fears of potential armed clashes as tensions continue to rise.