Former South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen has warned the African Union (AU) and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) against becoming involved in the ongoing dispute between South West State and Somalia’s Federal Government.
In a statement issued under the banner of the Office of the President of South West State, Laftagareen expressed concern over an alleged African Union Commission memorandum concerning a request by the Federal Government for AUSSOM support in relation to the security situation in South West State.
Laftagareen called on AUSSOM to maintain political neutrality and warned against taking military action against forces loyal to him. His statement also rejected allegations that his forces were affiliated with Al-Shabaab, describing them as legitimate regional security forces.
However, the African Union memorandum referenced by Laftagareen has not been publicly released, making it unclear exactly what the Federal Government requested from AUSSOM or how the AU characterised the forces involved.
AUSSOM’s mandate includes supporting Somalia’s federal government in security and stabilization efforts, including support for the implementation of Somalia’s security transition.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in South West State and recent fighting in Baidoa. Federal and South West officials have accused forces aligned with Laftagareen of operating alongside Al-Shabaab, allegations his supporters have rejected.
If a federal request for AUSSOM involvement is confirmed, it could add a new political and security dimension to Somalia’s South West dispute and raise further questions about the role of an international security mission in an internal political conflict.
