Somalia’s federal–regional rift boils over

On Tuesday, the South West State of Somalia announced that it is severing all ties with the Federal Government of Somalia. The decision was made public during a press briefing, where state leaders cited what they described as persistent federal interference in their internal affairs.

Officials from South West State said the federal government had repeatedly intervened in key areas such as security and internal affairs, actions they said have undermined the state’s authority. They further accused the central government of “mobilizing troops and arming unidentified militias within the region,” alleging that these actions are intended to destabilize South West State and weaken its administration.

Following the announcement, members of Somalia’s federal parliament elected from South West State issued a statement supporting the move, framing it as a constitutional responsibility. “We have a constitutional duty to protect and defend the interests, existence, and sovereignty of South West State of Somalia,” the MPs said.

They added that “the decision by South West State to suspend relations with the Federal Government of Somalia is a result of repeated interference that has harmed governance systems and the stability of the region.” The lawmakers also warned that “the unity, cohesion, and solidarity of the nation are at risk,” stressing that the step was taken to “preserve peace, prevent new conflicts, and safeguard a population facing difficult living conditions.”

Senators representing South West State also voiced strong support for the decision, citing similar concerns about federal involvement in regional affairs. They said the interference “has negatively affected security, stability, and overall peace in the South West regions,” and warned that “national unity and social cohesion are at risk.”

The senators stressed that their position is rooted in constitutional responsibility, stating they have “a duty to protect and defend the interests, existence, and autonomy of the South West State.” They added that the move is intended “to preserve peace, prevent further conflict, and protect citizens facing difficult living conditions.”

In response, Somalia’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation rejected the decision and denied any role in instability in the region.

“The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) is not in any way involved in the instability that has emerged in some areas of South West,” the ministry said, adding that it is “actively working to halt the conflicts and ensure that any disputes are resolved through dialogue.”

The federal government also “condemns the decision issued by the South West Presidency” and insisted that federal institutions “continue to fulfill their constitutional and legal responsibilities toward the South West regions and their residents.”

At the same time, the ministry called on the South West administration to remain engaged in national processes, urging it “to continue participating in the reconciliation and democratization processes.” Despite the escalating rhetoric, the federal government appealed for restraint, urging local communities and leaders to avoid further instability. It called on “the community, clans, and politicians from the region to remain vigilant against anything that could endanger the security, peace, and safety of the people living in South West areas.”

Tuesday’s decision by South West State marks a significant political development, coming at a time when the country is facing an unprecedented constitutional and political crisis. The move aligns South West State with Puntland and Jubbaland, both of which have already severed ties with the federal government over its constitutional changes and the 2026 electoral roadmap.

The current administration, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has pushed for a shift to direct elections. However, this proposal has been strongly rejected by regional authorities in Garowe and Kismayo, as well as by key opposition groups. At the same time, the president has finalized a constitutional review process that his administration has pursued over the past two years. The amendments expand presidential powers, extend the presidential term, and reduce the authority of regional leaders. These changes have become the central point of contention driving the growing political divide between the federal government and regional state.

South West State’s position now appears to converge with that of Puntland and Jubbaland, further deepening the rift between federal and regional authorities. Meanwhile, President Mohamud’s current mandate is set to expire in approximately two months, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the electoral process. Given the lack of consensus and delays in implementing a clear roadmap, the possibility of a term extension is increasingly being discussed.

Earlier, when the new constitution was approved and signed into law, the Speaker of Parliament made it clear that the five-year presidential term in the new constitution would take effect, replacing the four-year term stipulated in the provisional constitution. This development effectively creates a parallel constitutional framework, raising concerns about the emergence of two competing constitutional systems within the country.