Somali army seizes key city in southwestern region after state leaders resignation

Somalia’s Federal Government Announces Transition in Southwest State

The federal government of Somalia has welcomed the transition of power in the Southwest state, with regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen resigning as president on Monday. Laftagareen had been in office for over seven years and was re-elected for another five-year term, which the federal government deemed illegal.

Federal forces entered Baidoa, the largest city in the Southwest state, taking control of the city and marking the start of a political transition. The central government has hailed the state’s transition and urged calm and unity, with Information Minister Daud Aweis stating that the Federal Government remains committed to stability and protecting lives and property.

The dispute between the federal government and the Southwest state administration was sparked by opposition to constitutional amendments backed by the federal government. Laftagareen’s administration had opposed these amendments, which were deemed “very unpopular” among leaders.

The transition comes ahead of a highly contentious national election scheduled for this year. Al Jazeera reported that logistical and security challenges have hindered the implementation of a one-man, one-vote election system, with regional leaders and opposition groups expressing concerns about the potential for electoral manipulation.

As federal forces take control of Baidoa, many residents have fled the city over the past week, and some aid agencies have suspended activities due to fears of clashes between the army and regional forces. The situation remains calm, but local elder Adan Hussein described the city as a “ghost town.”

Source: Al Jazeera