Ousted Southwest state president Abdiasis Laftagaren has forcefully renewed his claim to office, declaring in a televised interview that he remains the region’s lawful leader following his contested re-election on March 28.
Mr. Laftagaren’s defiance comes as federal authorities in Mogadishu move to install a new regional president, a plan that would cement the central government’s grip over the strategic territory and further strain its delicate federal system. His declaration directly challenges the legitimacy of the federal government’s chosen successor, Adan Mohamed Nuur, whose expected election has been criticized as lacking robust competition.
Mr. Laftagaren’s claims of legitimacy hinge on his March 28 re-election, which he insists complied with all constitutional frameworks. He said his decision not to militarily defend the regional capital Baidoa was a calculated restraint to avoid devastating civilian casualties, despite commanding more than 5,000 troops.
“Fighting inside Baidoa would have inflicted severe harm on residents,” Mr. Laftagaren said during his interview on Somali Stream’s Geed Fadhi program.
He contrasted his restraint with what he called President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s disregard for civilian lives, citing the demolition of the Siinaay market as a key example.
A federal source, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed Mr. Laftagaren’s claims, asserting that the regional leader had lost popular support and that his withdrawal from Baidoa was a de facto admission of defeat.
Mr. Laftagaren provided a detailed operational account of the takeover, alleging that foreign aerial surveillance identified his forces’ defensive positions near Baidoa, enabling federal troops to enter the city through an unexpected route. He said he ordered his troops to remain in their bases, later instructing a full withdrawal to prevent escalation.
Throughout the interview, Mr. Laftagaren used terminology historically associated with 1990s-era militia groups when referring to federal forces, underscoring the depth of his grievances. With Laftagarten retaining command over loyal forces and support within the region, the standoff risks deepening political uncertainty and plunging the region into renewed violence.