Nairobi, Kenya — Former president of Somalia’s South West State Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen warned the African Union mission in Somalia on Thursday against becoming involved in his dispute with the federal government.
In a statement issued under the banner of the “Office of the President of South West State”, Laftagareen also rejected allegations that forces loyal to him had links to Al-Shabaab.
He expressed concern over an African Union Commission memorandum dated August 21 concerning what his camp described as a federal government request to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) over the security situation in the region.
The statement cited the memorandum by reference number CPAPS/B3/779.26 but did not include a copy. It was therefore unclear precisely what Mogadishu had requested from AUSSOM or how the African Union Commission had characterised the forces involved.
Laftagareen resigned as president on March 30 after federal troops took control of Baidoa, South West State’s administrative capital. His camp has since continued to challenge the new administration and again presents itself as the region’s legitimate government.
Regional lawmakers elected Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe, a former speaker of Somalia’s lower house of parliament, as South West president on June 10. He won 88 of the 90 votes cast.
Al-Shabaab allegations
Laftagareen’s statement categorically rejected allegations linking his Darawish forces to Al-Shabaab, describing them as legally constituted regional security forces tasked with protecting civilians, public institutions and the constitutional order.
“Describing these forces as ‘militias affiliated with Al-Shabaab’, without independently verified evidence, endangers civilians and security personnel,” the statement said, adding that such claims risked undermining public confidence in AUSSOM.
The dispute over the identity of the fighters has become particularly sensitive since heavy fighting erupted in Baidoa on August 17.
Federal troops drove Laftagareen-aligned fighters from the city after hours of clashes described by residents as the fiercest since March.
Somalia’s defence ministry said its forces killed about 30 attackers after fighters using explosive-laden vehicles attacked government positions before dawn.
Reuters said it verified footage showing federal troops fighting from an armoured vehicle and wounded civilians being carried through the streets.
Federal and South West officials later accused Laftagareen-aligned fighters of operating alongside Al-Shabaab during the assault, an allegation his supporters have denied.
“South West State warns against conflating Somalia’s internal political disagreements with the legitimate fight against terrorism,” Laftagareen’s statement said.
It called for disputes between Mogadishu and federal member states to be resolved through dialogue, constitutional processes and an inclusive political framework, warning that the use of military force to pursue political objectives could fuel further violence and displacement.
AUSSOM neutrality
Laftagareen’s camp said the August 21 AU memorandum contained a clear instruction that AUSSOM should remain politically neutral and impartial and avoid involvement in Somalia’s internal political disputes.
It urged the African Union and AUSSOM to “undertake an independent verification of the facts before supporting or participating in any military action”.
The statement also warned against operations that could result in “violence, bombardment, displacement or harm to civilians in Baidoa and its surrounding areas”.
It said that any operation must comply with international humanitarian law, civilian protection obligations, and AUSSOM’s rules of engagement.
AUSSOM supports Somali security forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab while helping protect civilians, stabilise recovered areas and gradually transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces.
The UN Security Council has authorised the mission to operate in support of Somalia’s security transition. At the same time, the African Union has stressed cooperation with the federal government and troop-contributing countries.
Laftagareen’s statement called on AUSSOM troop-contributing countries, the African Union, United Nations and other international partners not to rely on “unverified information or politically motivated allegations”.
His camp said it was ready to share relevant information and participate in an independent fact-finding process.