Mogadishu, Somalia – March 4, 2025 A group of opposition leaders and politicians from Southwest State of Somalia convened a meeting in Mogadishu to discuss the region’s ongoing political uncertainty. The meeting, attended by key figures including former Southwest State president Sharif Hassan and former Speaker of the House of the People Mohamed Mursal, focused on the current challenges facing the state, particularly regarding the delayed presidential election.
Southwest State has been in political limbo since President Abdiaziz Laftagaren’s term ended two years ago without a new election. The opposition has raised concerns over recent developments, including the replacement of members of parliament and the appointment of a new speaker, moves seen as paving the way for an indirect election that could secure Laftagaren another term in office.
The parties in the meeting agreed to hold a follow-up meeting with a broader group of politicians and stakeholders to further analyze the situation and devise a plan for the way forward.
This meeting comes as tensions rise in Southwest State, with growing criticism over the lack of an inclusive and transparent electoral process. The opposition and some federal MPs have expressed concerns that the current trajectory could lead to further instability in the region.