Somalia’s Southwest State Suspends Cooperation With Federal Government

Southwest State suspends cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, third region to cut ties

Move follows Puntland State and Jubbaland amid disputes over constitutional changes; Mogadishu yet to respond

Southwest State said it acted over alleged federal interference and military mobilization in its territory.

BAIDOA — Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to sever formal ties with Mogadishu amid escalating political tensions.

What is confirmed

In a statement read to reporters, the Southwest administration said the decision followed what it described as prolonged federal interference in its internal affairs and security structures. The regional government accused federal authorities of recent military mobilizations inside Southwest territory and alleged that weapons and equipment were being supplied to unidentified militias it described as outside the state’s recognized security framework.

“After many discussions with the federal government, in which we demanded an end to the interference, it became clear to us that these measures are aimed at undermining the existence of the Southwest state,” the statement said.

Southwest officials also alleged that federal cabinet members had directly intervened in security, economic and administrative matters within the state.

“Based on these issues, the Southwest announces that from today it has completely suspended all cooperation with the federal government, until a federal government is found that regulates the federal system,” the statement said.

The move mirrors earlier decisions by Puntland State and Jubbaland, which previously cut formal ties with Mogadishu over disputes linked to constitutional amendments and the electoral process, according to prior announcements by those regional administrations.

Official response

The federal government has not yet publicly responded to Southwest’s announcement.

What is not yet known

• How Southwest’s suspension will be implemented across security, administrative and financial channels: Not provided.
• The duration of the suspension or conditions for reinstating cooperation beyond the statement’s language: Not provided.
• Names of specific federal officials or entities alleged to have intervened: Not provided.
• Details about the alleged unidentified militias and the sourcing of weapons and equipment: Not provided.

Why it matters

Southwest’s decision intensifies a widening rift between Somalia’s central government and multiple federal member states. The standoff comes after federal lawmakers approved constitutional changes, including provisions extending the mandates of federal institutions to five years — steps that have deepened disagreements between Mogadishu and several regions, according to public statements by those authorities.

What happens next

Regional and federal authorities have not announced next steps or a timeline for talks. It remains unclear whether external mediation will be sought or whether parallel security and administrative arrangements will be pursued by Southwest in the interim. Not provided.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.

Tuesday March 17, 2026