Somalia’s South West state announced on Tuesday that it has suspended all cooperation with the federal government in Mogadishu, deepening political fractures within the country’s fragile federal system.
At a press briefing, regional officials accused the central government of backing militias and attempting to remove South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen from power.
There was no immediate response from Somalia’s defence or information ministries to the allegations.
The move marks the latest escalation in longstanding disputes between Mogadishu and regional administrations, particularly over constitutional reforms, electoral processes, and the distribution of power.
South West authorities said relations deteriorated sharply after the federal government advanced constitutional amendments opposed by several state leaders.
The fallout has already disrupted domestic travel, with commercial flights between Mogadishu and Baidoa — the administrative capital of South West state — suspended, according to travel agencies. Humanitarian flights, including those operated by the United Nations, continue.
Baidoa, located about 245 km northwest of Mogadishu, remains a strategically sensitive hub hosting federal troops, regional forces, and international aid operations in an area grappling with drought, conflict, and displacement.
Tensions between the federal government and regional states have been mounting. Somaliland has operated outside Mogadishu’s authority since declaring independence in 1991.
Puntland, another semi-autonomous region, said in March 2024 it would no longer recognise the federal government until contested constitutional changes are approved via referendum. Jubbaland similarly suspended ties with Mogadishu in November 2024 amid disagreements over regional elections.