The president of Somalia’s South West state announced his resignation on Monday, hours after federal forces secured full control of the administrative capital Baidoa, marking the beginning of a federal-led transition.
“I, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, effective today, March 30, 2026, have resigned from the position of President of South West State,” Laftagareen said o Facebook.
He had been in office for more than seven years.
The state's Finance Minister Ahmed Mohamed Hussein was appointed as acting president through a formal decree.
'Sensitive' political transition
The announcement came as federal forces entered Baidoa earlier on Monday, taking full control of the city and marking the start of a political transition.
The central government in Mogadishu hailed South West state’s transition and urged calm and unity.
“The people of the South West State have taken control of Baidoa, signalling demand for accountability. The Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to stability, protecting lives and property, and ensuring no persecution or retaliation,” Somali Information Minister Daud Aweis said in a statement.
Mogadishu also emphasised that no acts of retaliation will be tolerated, underscoring the commitment to protecting lives and property during “this sensitive” political transition.
