south west state suspends cooperation with federal government of Somalia

South West State has officially announced the suspension of all cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia, according to a statement issued by the regional administration.

The statement said the decision followed an internal review and assessment of the country’s overall situation, accusing the federal government of direct interference in the internal affairs of the state.

Officials from South West State claimed that in recent months they had observed military mobilization they say undermines social cohesion and the functioning of the federal member state system. They also accused members of the federal cabinet of involvement in security, economic and administrative matters within the region.

“After extensive engagements with the federal government, in which we called for an end to interference, it became clear that such actions pose a threat to the existence of South West State,” the statement said.

The administration further alleged that weapons and military equipment were being supplied to unrecognized militias operating in its مناطق, describing them as outside the formal state structure.

Based on these concerns, South West State declared a complete halt to cooperation with the federal government until there is an administration that respects the federal system, according to a spokesperson.

The move makes South West State the third federal member state to cut ties with the central government, following similar actions by Puntland and Jubbaland.