Somalia accuses former South West Leader Abdiaziz Laftagareen of links to Al-Shabaab

The Federal Government of Somalia has accused former South West State President and former deputy chairman of the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, of having links to the Al-Shabaab militant group.

Laftagareen and the JSP reportedly parted ways over political disagreements after he lost the opportunity to represent South West State within the party, with the current leader, Adan Madoobe, preferred for the role.

The serious allegations against the former JSP deputy chairman have sparked widespread debate and reactions from various quarters.

The federal government has also warned that action will be taken against anyone found to be cooperating with the militant group.

In October 2026, the Somali government imposed financial sanctions on former South West President Abdiaziz Laftagareen following allegations that militias loyal to him had carried out attacks in areas of South West State.

Residents told Mustaqbal Media that Al-Shabaab fighters had been seen accompanying militias loyal to Laftagareen in several districts and areas of Bay region that the militia had taken control of.

Residents also shared videos on social media purportedly showing the fighters alongside the militias.

Meanwhile, South West State officials and politicians from the Bay and Bakool regions have held separate meetings in Mogadishu to discuss the deteriorating security situation.

They have called on the federal government to intervene and help restore government control over districts and areas that have fallen outside the administration’s control amid the ongoing political and security tensions.

Mustaqbal