Federal Interior Ministry Urges Dialogue Amid Deepening Rift With Southwest State

Somalia’s Interior Ministry said Wednesday it is monitoring escalating tensions with Southwest State and warned that continued political friction could endanger peace and stability.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation voiced concern about the dispute’s impact and underscored the need to uphold the constitution and the federal system of governance.

“The federal government commends the people and administration of the Southwest State for their role in preserving the unity of the country,”

The statement urged all sides to avoid actions that could inflame conflict and to pursue dialogue and consensus. The ministry said it is ready to play a visible role in mediating and resolving disputes to prevent further escalation, adding that political disagreements should be handled peacefully and in line with the constitution.

It called on political leaders, lawmakers and civil society to work to strengthen peace and avoid steps that could threaten security and national unity in Southwest State.

The ministry did not directly address specific allegations raised by Southwest authorities or the region’s decision to suspend cooperation with the federal government.

Southwest State suspends cooperation, alleges interference

Earlier this week, Southwest State said it had severed political and cooperative ties with Mogadishu, accusing federal officials of repeated interference in its internal political and security affairs. Regional leaders alleged the federal government had deployed forces in its territories, intervened in administrative matters and supported unidentified armed groups operating outside the recognized state security framework.

At a recent press conference, Southwest officials accused Mogadishu of attempting to destabilize the state and unseat President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

The federal government has not publicly responded to those specific claims.

The dispute comes amid broader tensions between the central government and several federal member states following constitutional amendments and disagreements over the electoral framework, adding strain to Somalia’s federal system.