Somalia’s South West regional government declared Tuesday it would halt all collaboration and diplomatic relations with the national administration based in Mogadishu, marking another fracture in the East African nation’s unstable federal structure.
During a news briefing, regional officials from South West state leveled serious allegations against the central government, claiming federal authorities have been providing weapons to armed groups while orchestrating efforts to remove their president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, from office.
Attempts to reach Somalia’s defense and information ministers for their response to these accusations were unsuccessful, as neither official replied to requests for comment from Reuters.
Political tensions frequently emerge in Somalia due to disagreements about constitutional reforms, electoral processes, and how much authority should rest with the central government versus regional administrations.
According to the South West leadership, their relationship with Mogadishu deteriorated significantly after federal officials forced through constitutional changes that several state leaders had opposed.
The political rift has already created practical consequences, with travel companies reporting Tuesday that passenger flights connecting Mogadishu to Baidoa, South West state’s administrative center, have been suspended. However, humanitarian aircraft, including those supporting United Nations missions, continue operating.
Baidoa holds strategic importance both politically and militarily, situated approximately 245 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. The city serves as headquarters for federal military units, regional security personnel, and international aid organizations working in an area severely impacted by drought conditions, ongoing conflicts, and population displacement.
This latest dispute reflects broader tensions between Mogadishu and various regional authorities throughout Somalia. The breakaway territory of Somaliland proclaimed its independence in 1991 and has operated outside federal control ever since.
Earlier this year in March 2024, the semi-autonomous region of Puntland announced it would cease recognizing federal authority until controversial constitutional modifications receive approval through a national public vote.
Most recently, the semi-autonomous region of Jubbaland terminated its relationship with the central government in November 2024 following disagreements over how regional elections should be conducted.
