MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Authorities in Somalia’s Southwest State on Sunday warned of an ongoing mobilization effort in Mogadishu aimed at deploying armed factions to destabilize the region and undermine local leadership.
Southwest State Minister of Information Mohamed Ibrahim Bilal accused an unnamed group based in the capital of orchestrating plans to infiltrate the region with militias, with the intent of inciting unrest and disrupting regional security.
“There is a spoiler faction operating from Mogadishu attempting to smuggle armed elements into our cities to create chaos,” Bilal said at a press briefing. “We call on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces.”
The minister reiterated the regional government’s support for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s push for a one-person, one-vote electoral system. The endorsement comes days after the National Consultative Council — which includes Southwest President Abdiaziz Laftagareen — reached a contentious agreement to implement direct elections, a decision opposed by two key federal member states.
Bilal did not identify the actors allegedly mobilizing the militias. However, his remarks come amid growing ties between the federal administration and Laftagareen, who is reportedly being courted to join the president’s expanding political party.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
