South West State Grants Amnesty to Somali Forces, Opens Elections to All Citizens
South West State has issued a general amnesty to Somali Armed Forces personnel, accusing the federal government of turning national troops into militias used to displace civilians. The state has also opened its upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections to all citizens, guaranteeing security and banning illegal weapons.
The Office of the President of the South West State of Somalia held a press conference, announcing a general amnesty for Somali Armed Forces personnel and outlining plans for inclusive regional elections.
Officials accused the federal government of using national forces for purposes beyond their mandate, alleging that troops had been turned into militias and deployed under the pretext of combating Al-Shabaab-only to end up displacing civilians.
"For some time, the federal government has been using the national forces for purposes other than those for which they were established, namely, to protect the country's unity, combat terrorist groups, maintain peace, and safeguard national borders," a state official stated.
The amnesty extends to all forces within South West State, including those who may have been "misled," urging them to return to their areas and reject orders that target their own people.
"We are aware that, for some time, the federal government has been using the national forces for purposes other than those for which they were established," officials said. "The South West State extends a hand of peace and welcomes them back."
In a separate announcement, the South West State opened its upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections to all citizens, regardless of their location. The government guaranteed security for all participants and explicitly prohibited the use of illegal weapons in the electoral process.
"The process is open to all who are ready to participate. The government is opening its doors and welcoming everyone, while officially guaranteeing their safety and protection," officials said.
Candidates were strictly prohibited from bringing illegal weapons, with the state assuring full protection for all involved.
"We aim to ensure inclusive and comprehensive elections in which all people of the South West State can take part," officials said. "An election decided by the pen is better than one decided by the gun."
The state concluded with a call for peaceful competition: "Let us compete here peacefully."
