Former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has urged the international community to investigate alleged military attacks and abuses in parts of South West Somalia. In a letter dated 26 September 2026, he accused Somalia's federal government and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of conducting military operations that affected civilians and political opponents. The letter was sent to the United Nations, international partners, foreign embassies, and diplomatic missions in Somalia.
Mr Laftagareen alleged that federal forces moved towards Baidoa in late March following agreements between the federal government and al-Shabab that facilitated troop movement between Mogadishu and Baidoa. He claimed that military operations continued for about six months, including airstrikes by Cessna aircraft on villages near Baidoa. The areas affected included Hartiagle, Ceel Doon, Ceel Ka Naho, Saaydhlelow, and Sagara Gali, resulting in harm to civilians and livestock.
The former South West president also raised concerns about the 3 September attack in Doolow, in the Gedo region, involving former Somali Custodial Corps commander General Mahad Abdirahman Aden. Mr Laftagareen alleged that a Turkish F-16 fighter jet was involved in the attack. However, accounts of the incident have differed, and Somalia's federal government has rejected allegations linking it to the strike.
Mr Laftagareen argued that the incidents should not be viewed solely through the lens of counterterrorism, as they have wider implications for civilians, the South West administration, and Somalia's political stability. He called on international partners to take several measures, including condemning attacks against civilians and political opponents and launching an independent international investigation.
The letter sent by Mr Laftagareen called for investigators to examine alleged agreements with al-Shabab, the role of federal forces, the reported use of Cessna aircraft, and the Doolow incident. He also urged an end to military operations and airstrikes, and for investigators to be given safe access to affected areas, witnesses, aircraft, flight records, and operational documents.
Mr Laftagareen further called for those found responsible for alleged abuses to be held accountable. He urged the international community to respond quickly, citing the need for protection for civilians in South West Somalia. The allegations contained in the letter have not been independently verified and represent claims made by Mr 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 claims have raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in South West Somalia and the need for international attention to address the alleged abuses.
Key points
- Former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen calls for international investigation into alleged military abuses in Somalia.
- Mr Laftagareen alleges that federal forces conducted military operations that affected civilians and political opponents in South West Somalia.
- The allegations have not been independently verified, and the federal government has disputed or rejected some of the accusations.
