Laftagareen: Denies Darawish Al-Shabaab Links, Cites Security Risk

• Former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen denies allegations linking regional Darawish forces to Al-Shabaab.
• He asserts Darawish forces are legitimate security units protecting civilians and constitutional order.
• Laftagareen urged the African Union and AUSSOM to remain politically neutral and independently verify security claims.
• He called for political disputes to be resolved through dialogue and constitutional means, warning against military force.
• He emphasized compliance with international humanitarian law and civilian protection in all security operations.

He explicitly warned against the use of military force in political conflicts, highlighting its severe potential to exacerbate violence, trigger further displacement of populations, and deepen existing societal divisions across the nation.

Former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has vehemently rejected accusations that link the region's Darawish forces to the Al-Shabaab militant group, characterizing such claims as entirely unfounded. He asserted that these forces are legally constituted security units, specifically mandated to safeguard civilians, government institutions, public safety, and the constitutional order within South West State. This strong denial comes amidst ongoing tensions regarding regional security.

Laftagareen issued a stern warning that such unsubstantiated claims, if not backed by independent evidence, could jeopardize the safety of both civilians and security personnel on the ground. Furthermore, he cautioned that these accusations risk eroding public trust and undermining confidence in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which plays a critical role in the country's stability. He also stressed that ongoing political disagreements between Somalia's federal government and its constituent member states should not be permitted to impede the broader, unified campaign against armed extremist groups, emphasizing the need for a clear distinction between political rivalries and security operations.

In his statement, Laftagareen urged the African Union and AUSSOM to refrain from intervening in Somalia's internal political disputes, advocating instead for a hands-off approach to domestic political rivalries. He explicitly called for the resolution of political disagreements through established dialogue, strict adherence to constitutional procedures, and an inclusive political process that involves all relevant stakeholders. He explicitly warned against the use of military force in political conflicts, highlighting its severe potential to exacerbate violence, trigger further displacement of populations, and deepen existing societal divisions across the nation.

While acknowledging the long-standing and vital contributions of African Union forces to Somalia's overall security, the former President called upon AUSSOM to uphold strict political neutrality and impartiality, thereby avoiding any perception of taking sides in domestic disputes that could compromise its mission. He specifically requested that the African Union and AUSSOM independently verify all security-related information and allegations pertaining to South West State before endorsing or participating in any military actions, stressing the importance of due diligence. Crucially, he underscored that all security operations, regardless of their objective, must strictly comply with international humanitarian law and fulfill obligations for civilian protection, preventing harm to non-combatants.

The former South West State leader issued a critical caution against any measures that could provoke widespread violence, lead to indiscriminate airstrikes, or result in mass displacement, particularly impacting residents in Baidoa and its surrounding areas, which are already vulnerable. To foster transparency and accountability, he reiterated his readiness to share both security and political intelligence with international organizations and expressed a clear willingness to participate in any independent investigation designed to ascertain the facts on the ground regarding the Darawish forces and the allegations against them.

Laftagareen underscored that dialogue, fostering comprehensive stability, and ensuring the paramount safety of Somali civilians must remain the highest priorities for all parties involved in the nation's complex political and security landscape. He firmly reiterated his opposition to resolving political disagreements through military means, reinforcing the potential for detrimental and long-lasting negative outcomes for the country. Notably, the statement confirmed that Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, despite no longer being president, continues to command forces that have been mobilized on the outskirts of Baidoa, indicating his ongoing influence and involvement in regional security matters.

Compliance officers and legal counsel for organizations operating in Somalia should monitor the evolving political and security landscape, particularly regarding allegations against local forces and the emphasis on international humanitarian law compliance, to assess potential operational risks and due diligence requirements. Lawyers involved in international law or human rights should note the explicit calls for AU/AUSSOM neutrality and adherence to IHL in conflict resolution.

Source: Original reporting via Shabelle.