Somalia Adds Former South West Leader and 9 others to Financial Sanctions List

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism has added 10 people, including former South West State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, to a financial sanctions list over suspected links to Al-Shabaab, according to a decision released by the committee.

The list also includes former Somali Custodial Corps chief General Mahad Abdirahman Adan, known as Mahad Shub.

The decision requires financial institutions and other entities covered by the regulations to freeze assets belonging to the listed individuals, prohibit financial transactions with them and report relevant activity to Somalia’s Financial Reporting Centre (FRC).

The committee said the measures were based on information and evidence it had assessed concerning suspected financial support for Al-Shabaab, an armed group that has waged an insurgency against the Somali government. However, the published document did not detail the specific evidence against each individual.

The sanctions prohibit any financial assistance or facilitation benefiting those named on the list. Institutions and individuals who violate the restrictions could face legal action, the committee said.

Laftagareen was first elected leader of South West State in 2018 and remained in office until late March 2026, when federal authorities removed his administration and established a new regional leadership, according to the information provided.

Since losing power, Laftagareen has remained at the centre of tensions surrounding South West State. The account provided by the authorities’ critics says forces loyal to him have launched repeated attacks around Baidoa, the regional capital, causing significant casualties. His forces are reportedly positioned on the outskirts of the city.

The sanctions decision did not publicly explain whether the allegations against Laftagareen were connected to the political and security conflict in South West State.

The 10 individuals named in the decision are:

Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen”
Hassan Abdulkadir Mohamed
Mahad Abdirahman Adan “Shub”
Ibrahim Aadan Ali “Najah”
Hassan Abdi Mohamed “Ugaas Hassan”
Abdullahi Ali Watiin
Abdifatah Mahad Abdirahman
Abdimajid Mowlid Hassan
Amiin Mad Daruur
Abshir Aadan Isaaq

The committee said the financial restrictions were intended to prevent funds and other economic resources from reaching individuals suspected of supporting Al-Shabaab. The decision requires relevant institutions to report suspicious financial activity to the FRC without delay.

GAROWE ONLINE