Somalia’s Southwest President Laftagareen resigns from Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s JSP Party

Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen resigned from the Justice and Solidarity Party led by Somalia’s president, in the latest sign of escalating tensions with the federal government.

Laftagareen, who had served as the party’s deputy chairman, announced his departure 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.

Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen said this in a written statement announcing his resignation on March 18, 2026.

He argued that the 2012 provisional constitution is Somalia’s only legitimate constitutional framework and said any amendments adopted outside established legal procedures are invalid.

Laftagareen accused the federal leadership of pursuing steps that threaten national unity and destabilize Southwest State. He alleged the central government has mobilized unofficial militias in the region, which he said has contributed to insecurity.

His move followed Southwest State’s decision a day earlier to suspend 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 to the specific accusations.

Somalia’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation said Wednesday it is closely monitoring the situation and warned that continued political friction could undermine peace and stability. The ministry called for dialogue and urged all parties to resolve disputes in accordance with the constitution.