MOGADISHU — An unprecedented political escalation unfolded on Tuesday between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Southwest State administration, marked by retaliatory appointments of local district commissioners across rival jurisdictions.
Federal Appointments in Waajid District
The standoff intensified when the Federal Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation formally established a new local administration for the Waajid district, located in the Bakool region of Southwest State. According to a ministry circular issued on March 24, 2026, the selection process was based on evaluations of the political and security conditions in the area, alongside suggestions from traditional leaders.
Acting Minister of Interior Ali Yusuf Ali-Hosh approved the immediate appointment of several officials for Waajid, including Hasan Abdi Isak (Bootoole) as District Commissioner, Mohamed Abdirahman Mohamed (Jugle) as 1st Deputy Commissioner for Security, Aden Ali Kulow as 2nd Deputy Commissioner for Social Affairs, and Ayanle Abdi Dhuh Yare as Secretary of the Local Administration. The ministry instructed these officials to commence their public service and governance responsibilities immediately.
Southwest State Retaliates in Mogadishu
In direct retaliation to the federal government appointing officials within its state borders, the Southwest State administration issued a stunning counter-decree appointing four new district commissioners for districts located entirely within the Banaadir Region—the federal capital territory of Mogadishu.
The official decree, signed by Southwest State Minister of Interior Mohamed Issak Osman Fanah and acting on the direct advice of Southwest President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), appointed the following individuals to oversee Mogadishu districts:
- Abdi Jibriil Aadan — Commissioner of Abdiaziz District
- Nasrudiin Ibraahim Aadan — Commissioner of Shibis District
- Abdulle Cali Calasow — Commissioner of Kaaraan District
- Daahir Mohamed Hassan — Commissioner of Dharkeenley District
The Southwest decree audaciously instructed the Banaadir Regional Administration to “implement and enforce” the appointments.
A Deepening Constitutional Crisis
This extraordinary exchange of administrative overreach represents a massive breakdown in the constitutional order between the central government and the regional administration. The tit-for-tat appointments follow a severe escalation just days prior, when the federal government officially declared President Laftagareen’s mandate expired.
In response to Mogadishu’s attempts to manage a transition in Baidoa, regional leaders suspended all cooperation with the federal government. Furthermore, the Southwest State administration has since secured the unified backing of the Somali Future Council and other regional opposition forces, sparking widespread fears of governance fragmentation and institutional collapse as the 2026 election deadlines approach.
