Somalia Pledges Equal Rights for South West Forces after Reintegration

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has pledged to grant South West Darwish forces rights equal to those of the national army following their reintegration.

The process was overseen by intelligence chief Mahad Mohamed Salad and police commander Asad Osman Abdullahi, alongside federal and regional leaders, after days of negotiations involving forces previously stationed in Awdiinle.

At a meeting in Mogadishu, security officials urged the troops to continue serving the nation, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to settling outstanding entitlements and aligning their status with that of the Somali National Armed Forces.

Commanders of the South West Darwish forces welcomed the move and said they were ready to carry out national duties under the new arrangements.

The forces have since been redeployed to Baidoa, returning to their bases.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the federal government to integrate regional and clan-based forces into unified national security structures, a key pillar of Somalia’s long-term stabilisation strategy.

Recent political and security shifts in South West State, including changes in local leadership and increased federal involvement in Baidoa, have heightened the need for coordinated command and control of armed units.

Integrating forces such as the Darwish units is critical to improving discipline, ensuring consistent pay and welfare, and strengthening joint operations against Al-Shabaab.

Analysts note that successful integration could help reduce fragmentation within Somalia’s security sector, while reinforcing efforts to build a cohesive national army capable of maintaining stability across the country.