MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Southwest State President Abdiasis Laftagaren on Tuesday barred former speakers of the federal parliament, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and Mohamed Mursal, from traveling to Baidoa, despite appeals from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to allow their entry.
The former speakers, part of a four-member group that recently broke ranks with the opposition and aligned with President Hassan Sheikh, were reportedly planning to launch political activities in Baidoa ahead of upcoming elections. Laftagaren, however, viewed their presence as a direct challenge to his authority in the regional capital.
According to federal lawmaker Abdirashid Jire, the president had personally urged Laftagaren to permit the visit, but the regional leader rejected the request, instead offering a sarcastic countercondition: that opposition figures be allowed to stage protests in Mogadishu. He referenced a recent incident in which security forces reportedly opened fire on opposition leaders during a visit to Wardhigley Police Station, implying a double standard in political freedoms.
Laftagaren has long restricted access to Baidoa for federal government officials, including ministers hailing from the region, fearing potential political threats to his leadership. His latest move underscores the ongoing power struggle between federal and regional authorities, as well as lingering tensions within the ruling coalition.
Though officially aligned with President Hassan Sheikh’s party, Laftagaren remains at odds with the central government on key political issues. The rift highlights deep divisions behind the scenes, even as both sides maintain a façade of unity to protect their broader political interests.
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