Somalia’s Southwest State Accuses Federal Government of ‘Direct War’
The administration cautioned that the crisis could spiral into broad violence, mass displacement, and worsening humanitarian need in areas already strained by prolonged drought. “Without urgent intervention, the situation could turn into a major humanitarian disaster,” it warned.
Somalia: Southwest State Accuses Federal Government of Waging “Direct War”
MOGADISHU, Somalia — South West State officials accused the Federal Government of Somalia of effectively launching a “direct military war” against the regional authority, warning the standoff could ignite fresh nationwide conflict.
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In a blunt statement, the regional presidency said conditions had “significantly deteriorated,” alleging that federal leaders had recast the Somali National Army into a force acting on clan lines.
“Local communities perceive this as a clan-based attack, which is sharply increasing tensions and could create a real risk of civil war,” the statement noted.
The administration cautioned that the crisis could spiral into broad violence, mass displacement, and worsening humanitarian need in areas already strained by prolonged drought. “Without urgent intervention, the situation could turn into a major humanitarian disaster,” it warned.
The accusations followed an announcement a day earlier from federal authorities declaring that the mandates of South West State’s president and administration had officially lapsed, further heightening the confrontation.
Regional leaders and their supporters denounced Mogadishu’s move as unlawful and aimed at installing a compliant leadership aligned with the federal center.
The dispute has sharpened since both chambers of Somalia’s federal parliament passed amendments to the national constitution earlier this month, deepening political fault lines between the sides.
AXADLETM