UK urges restraint as tensions rise between federal government and Southwest State

Friday March 27, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — The United Kingdom has stepped up its warning as Somalia’s Southwest State faces rising political strain and a worsening security picture, with fears growing that clashes could erupt between federal authorities and regional forces.

In a Friday press release, the British Embassy in Mogadishu said it is tracking developments closely and warned that the latest tensions could further destabilize a security environment already under severe strain.

“Recent tensions risk further destabilising the security situation and impacting on communities who are facing severe humanitarian pressures,” the statement said.

Calling Somalia’s regional and national leaders to slow the pace of events, the UK—described as a long-standing partner—urged all sides to show restraint and focus on reducing escalation.

“As a friend and partner of Somalia, we urge all sides to exercise restraint and prioritise de- escalation. We remain in contact with interlocutors at both federal and member state levels and encourage constructive and inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders,” the statement added.

The British government also welcomed mediation efforts being driven by traditional elders, saying it supports initiatives intended to bring about a peaceful resolution to the standoff.

The push for calm follows accusations by Southwest State officials and opposition figures, including former government leaders, who say the federal government has deployed troops to key districts in the region and moved to take control of certain areas—actions they warn could set the stage for armed confrontation.

The dispute between the federal government and Southwest State has intensified sharply since Somalia’s federal parliament approved constitutional amendments that extend the mandates of federal institutions from four to five years. Southwest, Puntland State and Jubbaland rejected the move, along with multiple opposition groups.

Another central issue fueling the impasse involves regional elections. The federal government has said the mandate of the current Southwest administration ended two years ago. Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, meanwhile, accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of blocking regional elections since 2022. This week, Southwest State announced the formation of an electoral commission, a step the federal government opposed.

Southwest State has also suspended relations with Mogadishu, alleging that the federal government is interfering in its internal political and security affairs. The region’s political leadership says the standoff could widen divisions within Somalia’s federal system at a time when coordination on security and governance remains essential.