Somali Army Seizes Control of South West State Capital

(MENAFN) Somalia’s national forces have taken over Baidoa, the administrative center of South West State, prompting the resignation of regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen following a dispute with the federal government over constitutional reforms and elections.

Laftagareen had been reelected on Saturday for another five-year term as president of South West State, despite opposition from federal authorities. The Somali Interior Ministry condemned the vote as “a clear act of illegality and premeditated self-appointment,” stating that it breached national electoral laws and the constitution.

Officials in Mogadishu said the election was conducted within 24 hours and lacked transparency, free competition, and legitimacy, labeling it “a blatant attempt to manipulate the democratic process and impose a predetermined outcome.”

Last week, the federal government declared that Laftagareen was “no longer recognized” as the leader of South West State and that all directives issued by his administration were “no longer valid.”

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