Former President of South West State of Somalia, Cabdicasiis Xasan Maxamed Laftagareen, has issued a statement calling on the international community to condemn recent attacks on civilians and politicians in the country. In the statement, Laftagareen expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the South West State, particularly in the regions of Baay and Doolow. He accused the federal government of Somalia of carrying out attacks on civilians and supporters of his administration.
Laftagareen's statement claimed that the federal government, under the leadership of President Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud, had entered into agreements with the Al-Shabaab militant group, which facilitated the deployment of federal forces from Mogadishu to Baydhabo. The former president also alleged that the government had used Cessna planes to carry out airstrikes on villages near Baydhabo, including Hartiqaale, Ceel Dhoon, Ceel Ka Naho, Saaydheelow, and Sanga Gali. These airstrikes, according to Laftagareen, resulted in civilian casualties and damage to livestock.
The statement also mentioned a specific incident in which an F-16 plane, allegedly owned by Turkey and operated under the command of President Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jamaal Cabdinasir, carried out an attack on General Mahad Cabdiraxmaan Cabdi, also known as General Shub. Laftagareen urged the international community, including the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, IGAD, and Somali embassies, to take immediate action.
Laftagareen's statement demanded that the international community unequivocally condemn the attacks on civilians and politicians in the South West State. He also called for an independent and international investigation into the agreements allegedly made with Al-Shabaab, the role of federal forces, the use of Cessna planes, and the attack on General Shub. Furthermore, Laftagareen requested that the international community pressure the Somali government to halt military operations, airstrikes, and attacks on villages and politicians.
The former president also requested that the international community ensure the safety of investigators as they travel to the areas where incidents occurred, interview witnesses, and gather evidence related to the flights and operation orders. Additionally, Laftagareen demanded that those responsible for planning, approving, or carrying out the alleged attacks be held accountable.
The situation in Somalia's South West State has been volatile in recent months, with reports of clashes between federal forces and local militias. The region has been plagued by insecurity, with many civilians caught in the middle of the conflict. Laftagareen's statement has sparked a renewed call for international attention to the situation, with many urging the international community to take a closer look at the situation on the ground.
The international community has yet to respond to Laftagareen's statement, but it is understood that the situation in Somalia will be discussed in upcoming meetings of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how the international community will respond to Laftagareen's demands.
Key points
- Laftagareen calls for international condemnation of attacks on civilians and politicians in Somalia's South West State.
- The former president accuses the federal government of entering into agreements with Al-Shabaab and using airstrikes on villages.
- Laftagareen demands an independent investigation into the attacks and agreements.
