South West becomes the third state to cut ties with Somalia’s federal government

The South West State of Somalia, one of Somalia’s federal member states, has announced that it is severing all ties with the Federal Government of Somalia.

In a press briefing held today, the leadership of South West State said the decision was driven by what it described as persistent federal interference in its internal affairs, particularly in matters related to security and governance. State officials accused the federal government of undermining its authority by intervening in internal security affairs.

South West authorities further alleged that the federal government has been “mobilizing troops” and “arming unknown militias” within the state, actions they claim are intended to “destabilize the region” and weaken its administration.

Sa’id Ahmed Ali, a member of the South West cabinet, said that the regional government “categorically rejects any attempt to undermine its constitutional authority over its internal affairs,” emphasizing that the state will defend its autonomy within Somalia’s federal system.

This development comes at a critical moment for Somalia, as the country remains locked in a prolonged constitutional and political crisis.

The administration led by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently approved sweeping constitutional amendments. These changes effectively replaced key elements of Somalia’s long-standing provisional constitution. However, the amendments have been strongly contested by opposition groups and several federal member states, who argue that the changes were implemented without broad-based consensus. They maintain that the provisional constitution remains the only legitimate legal framework, insisting that any revisions should have followed an inclusive political agreement.

The dispute over constitutional legitimacy has stalled Somalia’s political progress for nearly two years, deepening divisions between the federal government and regional administrations.

Tensions between Mogadishu and regional states have already resulted in a prolonged political standoff with Jubbaland and Puntland. Both states have effectively suspended cooperation with the federal government over the same constitutional disagreements.

With South West State now joining them, it becomes the third federal member state to cut ties with the administration of President Mohamud, further isolating the central government.

The constitutional dispute has also created uncertainty surrounding Somalia’s electoral timeline.

Under the provisional constitution, the framework under which President Mohamud was elected, the presidential term is set at four years. However, the newly approved constitutional amendments extend the term to five years. The Speaker of Parliament has indicated that the new constitution will be adopted, suggesting that the current administration could remain in power for an additional year. This has raised concerns among opposition groups and regional states, who view the move as illegitimate without a national consensus.

As a result, the country’s electoral process remains in limbo, with no clear agreement on the legal framework governing upcoming elections.

The decision by South West State to sever ties with the federal government is likely to further entrench Somalia’s political stalemate. The move signals a deepening fragmentation within the federal system. With three key member states now disengaged from Mogadishu, the crisis has effectively left the constitutional and electoral roadmap in unprecedented limbo.