# South West State political and security crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-west-state-political-and-security-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-28T14:14:55.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Political and security tensions have escalated in Somalia’s South West State following unrest in Baidoa. South West State Security Minister Osman Isaaq Mohamed requested that the Kenyan government arrest and extradite former state President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen via Interpol. Mohamed accused Laftagareen of being responsible for bombings and attacks in Baidoa, alleging that forces loyal to the former president have links to Al-Shabaab.

In response, Laftagareen denied the allegations, rejecting claims that his Darawish forces are linked to the militant group. He described the Darawish as legally constituted security forces and warned that unverified claims could endanger civilians and undermine the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Laftagareen called for political neutrality from the African Union and urged that disputes be resolved through dialogue rather than military force.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Former South West State President denies Al-Shabaab links

Former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has denied federal claims linking his Darawish security forces to Al-Shabaab, calling for political neutrality from AUSSOM.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-south-west-state-president-denies-al-shabaab-links

### 2026-08-21: South West State requests Kenya arrest former President Laftagareen

South West State officials have requested Kenya arrest and extradite former President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen to Somalia, accusing him of involvement in Baidoa violence and Al-Shabaab links.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-west-state-requests-kenya-arrest-former-president-laftagareen

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Cite as: South West State political and security crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-west-state-political-and-security-crisis