Sunday March 29, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has called for restraint and dialogue in Somalia on Sunday amid escalating political and security tensions between the federal government and the Southwest State.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he is closely monitoring developments in Southwest State and urged Somali leaders to resolve their differences through peaceful and inclusive discussions.
His appeal comes as concerns grow over rising tensions that threaten to destabilize the Horn of Africa nation at a critical political juncture.
Youssouf highlighted the importance of Somalia’s National Consultative Council (NCC) as a key platform for consensus-building, urging Somali leaders to use it to address political disputes.
He also expressed concern about the potential impact of the crisis on Somalia’s security, unity and humanitarian situation, calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could trigger further escalation.
The African Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s peace, stability and state-building efforts, adding that it stands ready to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation if required.
The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) also voiced concern over the deepening rift, urging Somali leaders to pursue dialogue.
“We are concerned about the implications of escalating tensions for Somalia’s stability, security, unity and the humanitarian situation,” the mission said in a statement. “We call for constructive dialogue and urge all parties to avoid actions that could lead to violent conflict.”
The UN reiterated its support for Somalia’s ongoing peacebuilding and governance reforms.
At the heart of the crisis are constitutional amendments approved by Somalia’s federal parliament extending the mandates of federal institutions from four to five years. The changes have been rejected by Southwest State, Puntland and Jubbaland, as well as several opposition groups, who argue they undermine consensus and threaten the country’s fragile federal framework.
Tensions intensified further following the re-election of Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen as president of Southwest State on Saturday in Baidoa, a move opposed by the federal government. Reports of troop movements on the outskirts of the city have raised fears of potential armed confrontation.
Somalia has faced recurring political disputes between the federal government and federal member states, often straining the country’s nascent federal system. Analysts warn that the latest standoff risks reversing hard-won gains in state-building and security, particularly in the fight against the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab.
