Official: Foreign Forces Cannot Dictate Somalia's Southwest State Political Future

BAIDOA, Somalia — A spokesman for former South West state president Abdiasis Laftagareen has said foreign military aircraft and equipment cannot determine the political future of the Somali region, as tensions continue around Baidoa.

Ugas Hassan Abdi Mohamed, speaking from outside Baidoa, addressed the latest political and security developments in South West state, including military movements in and around the city.

He also criticised the use of foreign military aircraft in operations in areas of South West, saying the deployment of aircraft and foreign military vehicles would not alter the situation on the ground.

"The people of South West are the ones who determine the fate of their land and their future," Hassan said.

"You can bring foreign aircraft and vehicles, but the decision and fate of the areas of South West remain in the hands of our people," he added.

Hassan said the deployment of foreign troops and military equipment could not replace the role of local residents in determining the region's political future.

He called on people in South West to remain vigilant and united as political and security tensions increase.

His comments come as Baidoa and surrounding areas remain the focus of growing political and security tensions, with rival sides divided over the administration, security arrangements and the future political direction of South West state.

GAROWE ONLINE