Somalia house of representatives’ speaker calls political leaders to de-escalate tension in Southwest state

The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Somalia Sheikh Adan Mohamed Noor (Madobobe) issued a press release on the political tension which turned into violence in Baidoa city, ordering the political stakeholders to de-escalate tension and desist from insecurity activities.

On Friday, opposition figures accused the incumbent leader of Southwest state, Abdiaziz Laftagareen of intentionally attacking residential houses of the opposition figures, the regional administration pledged to launch an investigation into the matter.

Sheikh Adan (Madobobe) also announced that any existing disputes will be resolved at the South West reconciliation meeting which he previously announced and expected to take place on the fifth of January in Baidoa and called upon the the authorities, the officials, the politicians, the armed forces, and everyone involved to wait till then.

The president of the south west state who spoke about the fight sent Condolences to the families and people who lost their lives in the war and stated that the government will investigate the people involved and that they will be held accountable for any damages that occurred.

Opposition figures of Southwest state demanded the regional presidential election to take place on time and opposed a one year extension for the incumbent leader. Last week, they threatened to not recognise Laftagareen as the legitimate leader if he does not hold the presidential election.