MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, the deputy secretary of Somalia’s ruling Justice and Prosperity Party (JSP), has declared his intention to run for president of the country’s Southwest State – a move that risks deepening political tensions with the region’s powerful incumbent leader, Abdiasis Laftagaren, Caasimada Online news website reported Monday.
Speaking on Monday, Mohamud confirmed he would seek the JSP’s nomination in the upcoming Southwest elections and urged party supporters to back what he described as “much-needed change” in the region.
His announcement is likely to unsettle Laftagaren, who has governed Southwest State for years and maintains considerable influence on the ground. Although both men belong to the same ruling party, relations between the regional president and Mogadishu have become increasingly fragile – and could further deteriorate if Laftagaren perceives Mohamud’s candidacy as a direct threat to his authority.
Asked whether Laftagaren also intended to stand for re-election, Mohamud said he did not believe so, noting that the president had not publicly declared any such plans.
For several years, Mohamud and other JSP figures have been barred by Laftagaren’s administration from entering major Southwest cities, including Baidoa, the regional interim capital and seat of political power.
It remains unclear how Laftagaren will respond if the JSP formally endorses Mohamud as its candidate, or whether he will allow him to travel to Baidoa to campaign. Analysts say the standoff could expose deeper rifts within the ruling party and reshape political alliances both within Southwest State and in the federal government.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
