Southwest President resigns from President’s party, citing ‘Unconstitutional Actions’
The regional leader argued that Somalia’s only legitimate constitutional framework remains the 2012 provisional constitution, and that any amendments made outside established legal procedures are invalid.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) — Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has resigned from the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Laftagareen, who had been serving as deputy chairman of the JSP, announced his resignation on March 18, 2026.
“I, President of Southwest State H.E. Abdiaziz Laftagareen, resign as Deputy Chairman of the JSP effective today, March 18, 2026. I cannot support unconstitutional actions that weaken our unity. My commitment remains to Somalia’s unity, democracy and the rule of law,” he said in a statement.
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The regional leader argued that Somalia’s only legitimate constitutional framework remains the 2012 provisional constitution, and that any amendments made outside established legal procedures are invalid.
He accused the federal leadership of pursuing measures that threaten national unity and destabilize Southwest State. Among his claims were allegations that the central government has mobilized unofficial militias in the region, contributing to insecurity.
Laftagareen’s resignation comes a day after Southwest State formally suspended political and cooperative ties with Mogadishu. The regional administration accused federal officials of repeated interference in its political, security and administrative affairs, including alleged military deployments and support for armed groups operating outside recognized state structures.
The federal government has not directly responded to Laftagareen’s resignation or the specific accusations.
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.