Somalia is once again facing a serious political and constitutional crisis. The confrontation between the Federal Government in Mogadishu and the leadership and supporters of South West State has developed into a wider dispute over political legitimacy, constitutional authority, financial power and the future of Somalia’s federal system.
Recent reports indicate that financial restrictions have been imposed on individuals associated with former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, while the political dispute has also been accompanied by armed clashes around Baidoa. The Federal Government has accused forces loyal to Laftagareen of attacking government positions, while the opposing side has disputed the government’s narrative. The competing claims demonstrate how rapidly political disagreements can develop into a security crisis.
The fundamental question is therefore not simply who controls Baidoa or whose bank account has been frozen. The real question is whether Somalia will continue to resolve political disputes through constitutional institutions and dialogue or whether political power will increasingly be exercised through financial pressure, security forces and military confrontation.
The Federal Government has important national responsibilities, including security, financial regulation and the protection of the national constitutional order. However, those powers must always be exercised according to law.
The Federal Government should clearly explain the legal basis for any decision to freeze an individual’s financial assets. Citizens and political leaders should have the right to know which institution issued the order, what law authorizes it, what evidence supports it, how long the restriction will remain in force, and whether the affected person has a right to appeal.
Financial institutions cannot become instruments of political punishment. If there is evidence of corruption, terrorism financing or another serious crime, the proper response is investigation and due process.
The same principle applies to the Federal Member States. Federalism does not mean that regional leaders are above national law. However, federalism also does not mean that Mogadishu can govern the Federal Member States without constitutional limits.
The Constitution must be stronger than political personalities.
There is also an important constitutional dispute concerning the mandate of the Federal Government. The government states that the constitutional amendments approved in 2024 established five-year presidential and parliamentary terms. The Office of the Prime Minister officially describes the amended framework as providing five-year terms.
Because competing political interpretations exist, this matter should be settled through constitutional and legal institutions rather than through political declarations alone.
The crisis in the South West State demonstrates the danger of allowing political disputes to become military confrontations.
Reports of fighting around Baidoa in September 2026 have shown the human cost of this confrontation. AP reported that civilians were injured and killed during the fighting, while residents were forced to flee some areas.
This is unacceptable for a country that has already suffered decades of conflict.
Political disagreements between Mogadishu and Baidoa should never become another war between Somali communities.
If the Federal Government believes that a regional administration has violated the Constitution, it should present its case through legal and political mechanisms.
If South West State leaders believe that Mogadishu has exceeded its authority, they should likewise use constitutional mechanisms to challenge those decisions.
The solution cannot always be another security operation.
There are many allegations circulating in Somali political debate concerning corruption, misuse of state resources, foreign influence and alleged relationships between political actors and armed extremist groups.
These allegations are extremely serious.
However, accusations involving Al-Shabaab or other armed groups should automatically be presented since proven facts credible evidence has existed. At the same time, allegations of terrorism financing or cooperation with armed groups cannot simply be ignored when credible evidence exists.
The correct approach is straightforward:
Investigate. Establish the facts. Present evidence. Apply the law.
No political leader should receive immunity from investigation because of his position. Equally, no individual should be declared guilty merely because of a political accusation.
This principle should apply to the President, ministers, parliamentarians, regional leaders, security officials and every ordinary Somali citizen.
The International Community Must Look Beyond Mogadishu
Another important question concerns Somalia’s international partners.
Many foreign governments and international organizations have invested heavily in Somalia’s security, political institutions and economic development. Their objective should be the creation of a stable Somali state, not simply the strengthening of whichever political group is currently strongest in Mogadishu.
International partners should encourage:
- constitutional government;
- peaceful federal relations;
- independent judicial institutions;
- transparent financial governance;
- accountable security forces;
- political dialogue;
- and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Foreign assistance should not become a weapon in Somalia’s internal political competition.
If international partners continue to support Somalia, they should also insist that political disputes are handled through institutions rather than armed confrontation.
The greatest lesson of Somalia’s history is that military power alone cannot create lasting political stability.
Governments may control cities through security forces. Political leaders may gain temporary advantages. Armed groups may seize territory. But none of these methods creates genuine national reconciliation.
Somalia needs a political system in which the Federal Government and Federal Member States understand their respective responsibilities and respect the constitutional boundaries between them.
The people of Somalia need roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, employment and security. They do not need endless political confrontations between leaders.
Every Somali political leader should therefore ask one simple question:
Will today’s political decision make Somalia more united tomorrow or more divided?
A Call for Political Responsibility
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Federal Government, South West State leaders and all Somali political actors have a responsibility to prevent the present crisis from becoming another prolonged conflict.
The Federal Government should provide transparent legal justification for major financial and security decisions.
South West State political leaders should pursue their disputes peacefully and reject violence.
Security forces should protect civilians and avoid becoming instruments of political competition.
International partners should encourage dialogue, constitutionalism and accountability.
And the Somali people should demand institutions that serve the country rather than political personalities.
Somalia has already lost too many lives to political conflict.
It cannot afford another cycle of confrontation.
In summary
The crisis between Villa Somalia and South West State is much bigger than one president, one administration or a group of frozen bank accounts.
It is a test of Somalia’s federal system.
It is a test of the rule of law.
It is a test of the country’s political maturity.
If the Federal Government has constitutional authority, it should demonstrate that authority through law and due process.
If South West State leaders have legitimate constitutional grievances, those grievances should be addressed through dialogue and lawful institutions.
And if serious allegations of corruption, terrorism financing or abuse of public power exist, they should be investigated objectively and transparently.
Somalia does not need another political war.
Somalia needs constitutional government, accountable leadership and peaceful federal relations.
The country cannot be built through force alone. It must be built through law, dialogue, justice, accountability and respect for the Somali people.
The Constitution must be stronger than the president.
The law must be stronger than the political party.
The institutions must be stronger than individual leaders.
And the Somali people must remain the ultimate owners of their country and its future.
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is Ethiopian, has also become known as a political analyst and writer on the Horn of Africa, particularly on Somaliland, Somalia, Ethiopia, regional geopolitics, diplomacy, and international relations. His author profile describes him as a senior consultant who has studied international diplomacy. He can be reached via email : tra50526@gmail.com
Editor’s Note: Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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