MOGADISHU: Somalia’s South West state announced on Tuesday it is suspending all cooperation and relations with the federal government in Mogadishu. This marks the latest sign of strain in the Horn of Africa country’s fragile federal system. At a press conference, South West officials accused the federal government of arming militias. They also claimed Mogadishu is trying to unseat the state’s president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. Somalia’s defence and information ministers did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The decision adds to a growing Somalia federal system crisis that now involves multiple regional administrations. Disputes over constitutional changes, elections, and the balance of power repeatedly open political faultlines in Somalia. The South West administration says relations with Mogadishu worsened after the federal government pushed through constitutional amendments opposed by some state leaders.
Flights Halted Between Mogadishu and Baidoa
Travel agencies told Reuters on Tuesday that commercial flights between Mogadishu and Baidoa have halted. Baidoa serves as the administrative capital of South West state. Hundreds of passengers, including senior South West officials, found themselves stranded at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. They described the move as a “political travel blockade” imposed by the federal government .
Humanitarian flights, including those for United Nations operations, continue to operate. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority denied issuing any official flight restrictions. Agency representatives said they were unaware of any directive to suspend Baidoa-bound flights, adding to confusion over the cause of the delays .
Baidoa lies about 245 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. It is a politically and militarily sensitive city. It hosts federal troops, regional security forces, and international humanitarian operations. The area faces drought, conflict, and displacement challenges.
Armed Clashes and Military Tensions
Tensions have escalated significantly in recent days. Reports indicate armed clashes in the Bay region. Militias allegedly supported by the federal government and opposed to President Laftagareen reportedly seized control of the town of Qansaxdheere . This further intensified the crisis between Mogadishu and the regional administration.
The South West state recently issued an emergency order banning high-ranking military officials from traveling outside Baidoa. The directive mandates that all security officers remain in the city until further notice. Officials stated the move is necessary to “guarantee general security and stability” amid reports of planned political opposition movements and military mobilization .
The travel ban followed reports that the federal government summoned key military commanders from Baidoa to Mogadishu. Among those summoned are the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency for South West state and the commander of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division. Regional officials view the summons as a strategic attempt to weaken Laftagareen’s grip on the local security apparatus .
Constitutional Disputes at the Heart of Crisis
The Somalia federal system crisis stems largely from recent constitutional amendments. Somalia’s parliament approved changes to parts of the country’s interim constitution in early March. The vote occurred during a joint parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Sheikh Aden Madoobe. According to the speaker, 223 lawmakers supported the changes .
However, the vote sparked immediate controversy. Lawmakers reported that the constitutional amendments were not formally read to the assembly before the vote. Questions also arose about the number of members present. The majority of lawmakers from Puntland and Jubbaland, as well as opposition members, reportedly boycotted the meeting in protest .
The Somali Future Council, an alliance including opposition leaders and officials from Puntland and Jubbaland, condemned the approval. The group called the process illegal and stated it does not recognize the newly approved changes. Critics argue that fundamental amendments require broad consultation and national consensus rather than approval through a parliamentary session marked by opposition boycotts .
Pattern of Regional Defections
South West becomes the third federal member state to suspend ties with the central government. The administration of semi-autonomous Puntland said in March 2024 it would no longer recognize the federal government. That decision stands until disputed constitutional amendments receive approval in a nationwide referendum. Semi-autonomous Jubbaland suspended ties with Mogadishu in November 2024. That dispute centered on regional elections .
In a formal statement, South West authorities said the decision followed an extensive review of the country’s political situation. They cited repeated complaints over federal involvement in internal matters. Regional officials accused the central government of organizing security deployments aimed at undermining social cohesion and the functioning of state-level institutions. They also alleged that some federal ministers directly intervened in security, finances, and local governance issues .
The administration further claimed it observed the distribution of weapons and military equipment to unrecognized militias operating in its territory. Such groups resemble armed actors outside official state structures, the statement warned .
Political Implications for Federal Government
The Somalia federal system crisis poses significant challenges for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His term is set to end on May 15. The mandate of the federal parliament expires next April. Critics fear the constitutional changes could open the door to extending the president’s term, a claim the government has not officially confirmed .
The crisis in South West also represents a political setback for the president’s JSP party. Laftagareen was once a political ally of Mohamud through their shared party affiliation. The break following accusations of federal interference potentially undermines the party’s broader electoral strategy and alliances across regional states .
Political observers say the timing of the amendments has intensified debate. Somalia has yet to finalize an agreed framework for upcoming national elections. The unfolding crisis in South West threatens to further complicate efforts to hold credible and inclusive polls .
International Concerns and Humanitarian Impact
The political standoff carries significant humanitarian implications. Baidoa hosts numerous international operations addressing drought, displacement, and food insecurity. Disruption to political stability could hamper aid delivery to vulnerable populations. Humanitarian flights continue for now, but any escalation could threaten access.
Analysts warn that failure to reach consensus could lead to further instability. “The amendments are themselves a conflict trigger,” said Advocate Sipho Mantula of the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs. He urged the African Union to be proactive, noting that Africa cannot afford to ignore conflicts in the Horn of Africa, especially given rapidly shifting security dynamics .
The Somalia federal system crisis now encompasses three major regional states. With Somaliland already outside Mogadishu’s control since 1991, the federal government’s authority continues to fragment. Whether mediation efforts can bridge the growing divide remains uncertain. The coming weeks will prove critical for Somalia’s political future.
