Somalia’s govt seeks talks with Southwest leader Laftagaren to prevent regional election
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government has reached out to members of Southwest state President Abdiasis Laftagaren’s family in an attempt to establish contact with him and open talks aimed at persuading him to refrain from holding a regional presidential election, as tensions resurface after months of improving relations between the two sides. Officials in […]
Black News 
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government has reached out to members of Southwest state President Abdiasis Laftagaren’s family in an attempt to establish contact with him and open talks aimed at persuading him to refrain from holding a regional presidential election, as tensions resurface after months of improving relations between the two sides.
Officials in Mogadishu made the approach through relatives accompanying Laftagaren on overseas trips, seeking to encourage him to open a channel for dialogue intended to prevent the vote in Southwest state.
The outreach comes after clashes erupted in the region in recent days, clashes widely seen as being orchestrated by figures within the federal cabinet who are pushing to remove Laftagaren from office. Laftagaren himself is a member of the same political party as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscoring the depth of the emerging rift.
At the same time, reports circulating in political circles suggest Villa Somalia is seeking to replace Laftagaren with Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, the current minister of ports. Those reports have gained traction as a military buildup continues across parts of Southwest state.
Despite the escalating maneuvers, many observers argue that forcing Laftagaren from power in the regional capital, Baidoa, would be a far more complex and risky undertaking than recent developments suggest. Analysts note that Mogadishu may not yet be fully prepared for such an ambitious move.
The latest fighting saw federal-aligned forces capture the town of Qansah-dhere in Bay region on Sunday, highlighting the growing military dimension of the dispute.
Political analysts warn that continued pressure on Laftagaren could push him to break from the alliance of federal and regional leaders who previously agreed to constitutional amendments and term extensions designed to prolong their time in office.
Should that rupture occur, Laftagaren could opt to organize an indirect regional election similar to the process used by Jubaland’s leadership in late 2024. That vote angered the federal government and triggered armed confrontations between regional forces and federal troops.
If Southwest state follows a similar path, analysts say President Mohamud’s broader political plans – including efforts tied to term extensions – could face serious setbacks. Such a move would likely strengthen the position of his opposition, including leaders in Jubaland and Puntland as well as former federal leaders.
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