FGS Rejects Baidoa Vote as ‘Illegal Self-Appointment’ Amid Deepening Rift With South West Leadership

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has dismissed the electoral process conducted in Baidoa as unconstitutional and illegitimate, intensifying an ongoing political standoff with South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
In a strongly worded statement issued late Friday, the federal government described the exercise as a “pre-planned self-appointment” that fails to reflect the will of the people. The vote, held in the interim capital of South West State, comes against the backdrop of a widening dispute between Villa Somalia and the regional administration over the management of political transitions.
The government pointed to the speed of the process, which was concluded in under 24 hours, as evidence of what it termed a violation of democratic norms and electoral standards. It argued that the exercise lacked the basic requirements of transparency, inclusivity, and fair competition.
Mogadishu further stated that the outcome would not be recognized under the Provisional Constitution or the frameworks agreed upon by the National Consultative Council. Officials warned that endorsing such a process could set a precedent that undermines national electoral reforms.
The dispute follows an earlier announcement by the federal authorities extending the mandates of South West State institutions, a move that was itself contested and has contributed to the current impasse. Tensions between Laftagareen’s administration and Villa Somalia have since escalated, with both sides taking unilateral steps that risk further fragmenting the political landscape.
In its latest statement, the federal government cautioned that the Baidoa process could inflame existing grievances and derail fragile reconciliation efforts, at a time when the country is attempting to transition toward a more inclusive and credible electoral system.
No immediate response was issued by the South West State leadership following the federal government’s remarks.