BAIDOA, Somalia — Southwest State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen has voiced strong criticism against the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) based in Mogadishu, following threats to strip 25 federal MPs of their positions.
The MPs elected from Southwest State had publicly supported pro-Ethiopia demonstrations in the cities of Hudur and Wajid, located within the Southwest State.
In a public address after returning from Kenya, Laftagareen labeled the threats as “unfortunate,” arguing that such actions could jeopardize the federal framework of Somalia.
His remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly concerning the deployment of Ethiopian military forces in Somalia, a topic that has stirred debate on national sovereignty and regional security dynamics.
The public demonstrations in Hudur and Wajid, which expressed support for the Ethiopian military presence, have ignited discussions on the implications for Somalia’s sovereignty versus the benefits of external military aid in combating local insurgencies like Al-Shabaab.
Laftagareen’s stance in defending these MPs underscores a prevalent sentiment within his state, where opinions on Ethiopian troops are mixed, often viewed as essential for security yet also as an infringement on national autonomy.
