Former South West State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has urged the United Nations and international partners to investigate alleged military attacks and abuses in parts of South West Somalia. In a letter dated September 26, 2026, Laftagareen accused Somalia's federal government and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of conducting military operations in South West that affected civilians and political opponents. The letter was sent to the United States, foreign embassies and diplomatic missions in Somalia, the United Nations, European Union, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and Somali opposition groups.
Laftagareen alleged that federal forces moved towards Baidoa in late March following agreements between the government and Al-Shabaab that facilitated the movement of troops between Mogadishu and Baidoa. He claimed that military operations have continued for about six months, including alleged airstrikes by Cessna aircraft on villages near Baidoa. The areas affected, according to Laftagareen, include Hartiagle, Ceel Doon, Ceel Ka Naho, Saaydhlelow and Sagara Gali, where civilians and livestock were harmed.
Laftagareen also accused a company that supplied Cessna aircraft to Somalia of links to individuals, including Ahmed Guuleed and former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He raised the September 3 attack in Doolow, Gedo region, involving former Somali Custodial Corps commander General Mahad Abdirahman Aden, widely known as General Shub. Laftagareen alleged that a Turkish F-16 fighter jet carried out the attack, which has not been independently verified.
Reports about the Doolow incident have differed, while Somalia's federal government has rejected allegations linking it to the strike. Laftagareen said the incidents should not be viewed solely as counterterrorism operations, arguing that they had broader consequences for civilians, the South West administration and Somalia's political stability.
In his letter, Laftagareen called on international partners to take five main steps: condemn the alleged attacks in South West and against civilians and political opponents; launch an independent international investigation into alleged agreements with Al-Shabaab, the role of federal forces, the use of Cessna aircraft and the Doolow incident; halt military operations and airstrikes; allow investigators safe access to affected areas and relevant witnesses, aircraft, flight records and operational documents; and hold accountable anyone found to have planned, ordered or carried out the alleged acts.
Laftagareen urged the international community to respond urgently, saying civilians in South West needed protection and that those responsible for abuses should be held accountable. The allegations contained in the letter have not been independently verified and reflect claims made by Laftagareen and his administration.
The federal government and other parties named in connection with the allegations have disputed or rejected some of the accusations. The international community has not publicly responded to Laftagareen's letter, but the UN and other partners have previously expressed concern about the security situation in Somalia and the impact of military operations on civilians.
Key points
- Laftagareen calls for international investigation into alleged military attacks and abuses in South West Somalia.
- The allegations have not been independently verified.
- Laftagareen urges international community to take action to protect civilians and hold those responsible accountable.
