Southwest State senators back suspension of ties with Mogadishu

Senators from Somalia’s Southwest State on Tuesday endorsed their administration’s decision to suspend cooperation with the federal government, accusing Mogadishu of interference in regional political and security affairs.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring

Wednesday March 18, 2026

In a joint statement, the Upper House lawmakers said the move by the Southwest administration responds to actions by federal authorities that they say have undermined security, stability and public safety in the state.

They described the suspension of cooperation as a protective step intended to safeguard Southwest State’s governance system and autonomy.

“The decision to suspend relations is aimed at preventing federal government interference and protecting the system of government,” the senators said.

The lawmakers added that what they called federal interference poses a threat to national unity and solidarity. They said that as elected representatives, they have a constitutional duty to defend the interests, existence and independence of Southwest State.

The statement noted the timing of the standoff, saying the region is grappling with drought conditions during the holy month of Ramadan and needs stability and humanitarian support rather than renewed political tensions that could lead to displacement or conflict.

The endorsement follows Southwest State’s announcement a day earlier that it was suspending all cooperation with the federal government. Regional officials accused Mogadishu of attempting to destabilize the state and interfere in its internal political and security matters, including efforts to undermine President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

The federal government has not yet publicly responded to the latest statements.

The impasse highlights broader strains within Somalia’s federal system. Puntland State and Jubbaland have also cut formal ties with Mogadishu amid disputes over constitutional amendments and the electoral framework, deepening uncertainty over coordination between federal and regional authorities at a politically sensitive moment.