Southwest State suspends cooperation with federal government
The regional government accused the federal authorities of conducting military mobilization in its territories in recent months.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) - Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to cut ties with Mogadishu amid escalating political tensions.
In a statement read to reporters, the Southwest administration said the decision followed what it described as prolonged federal interference in its internal affairs and security structures.
“After many discussions with the federal government, in which we demanded an end to the interference, it became clear to us that these measures are aimed at undermining the existence of the Southwest state,” the statement said.
The regional government accused the federal authorities of conducting military mobilization in its territories in recent months in ways it said threaten social cohesion and the state’s governance system. It also alleged that federal cabinet members had directly intervened in security, economic and administrative matters.
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Southwest officials further claimed that weapons and military equipment were being supplied to unidentified militias operating in the region, describing them as armed elements outside the recognized state security framework.
“Based on these issues, the Southwest announces that from today it has completely suspended all cooperation with the federal government, until a federal government is found that regulates the federal system,” the statement said.
The federal government has not yet publicly responded to the announcement.
Southwest’s move follows similar decisions by Puntland and Jubbaland, both of which have previously severed formal ties with Mogadishu over disputes related to constitutional amendments and the electoral process.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.