Tag: Political Crisis

The former Secretary General of Somalia’s ruling Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) resigned on March 25, publicly criticising President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for consolidating power and outlining five main grievances, including the mishandling of constitutional amendments and restrictions on lawmakers’ travel, which he described as violations of parliamentary immunity. Villa Somalia has not yet responded. The opposition has cited the resignation as evidence of divisions within the government’s leadership.

Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has cautioned that the federal government’s approach to political tensions in Southwest State threatens regional stability and civilian safety. He called for genuine dialogue, stating that a peaceful resolution remains possible if the federal leadership engages in good faith.

Dr. Ali Said Fiqi claims rifles meant to fight al-Shabab are being handed to militias in Burhakaba, warning that the diversion of national security assets is "fueling tension" and putting innocent lives at risk.

South West State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed (Lafta-Gareen) has appointed a nine-member electoral committee to organize regional elections, a direct challenge to the federal government which declared him illegitimate just one day earlier. The move mirrors the unilateral election strategy employed by Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe in 2013, setting the stage for a potentially explosive confrontation as rival forces remain deployed across the strategic region.

The Federal Government of Somalia has declared the mandate of South West State’s president and administration expired, rejecting any further decisions from the current leadership. The move escalates the political standoff with Mogadishu now planning new elections through local consultations.

Facing travel restrictions and an increasingly tense security situation in Mogadishu, the lawmakers opted to hold their consultations in the Kenyan capital, a venue that has frequently hosted Somali political dialogues. The meeting reflects a deepening estrangement between the federal government and the regional states, with MPs from the three federal member states seeking to coordinate their stance on constitutional disputes, security arrangements, and recent political upheavals in Southwest Somalia. Participants describe the initiative as part of a broader effort to maintain legislative cohesion when access to the national capital is constrained.