MP Calls Federal Takeover of South West State “Illegal” and “Dictatorial”

MOGADISHU — Member of the Federal Parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has sharply denounced the Federal Government’s decision to install an administration for South West State, calling the move an unlawful breach of both the federal and state constitutions.

He said the central government has no constitutional authority to appoint an administration for a federal member state that already has its own institutions in place. Abdishakur pointed to the South West State Constitution, which requires a presidential election within 30 days if a president steps down.

In his view, the intervention marks a “dangerous phase” for Somalia, one he described as the opening of an effort to seize power, weaken the federal arrangement, and place the law beneath personal interests.

The lawmaker also accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of driving the move as part of a plan to secure another term in office. According to Abdishakur, the president is trying to shape a process in which he would effectively be both contestant and arbiter, ensuring a result in his own favor.

He warned that these “corrupt ambitions” would undo years of work invested in national reconciliation, public trust, and the already fragile state-building project built on power-sharing and parliamentary governance.

Looking back at Somalia’s past, Abdishakur said the country’s collapse in 1991 was fueled by dictatorship, nepotism, and the abuse of power. He also delivered a pointed warning to those staying silent or backing the decision, saying the unrest and “fitna” (strife) that follow would spare no one.

AXADLETM