Laftagareen submits allegations against Hassan Sheikh to the United Nations

Baydhabo – The President of the South West State, Abdikadir Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, has submitted an official letter to the United Nations and international parties alleging that it relates to military attacks and abuses that have occurred in areas of South West.

The letter dated September 26, 2026, was sent to the United States, all embassies and diplomatic missions in Somalia, the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, IGAD, and Somali opposition groups.

Laftagareen stated in the letter that the attacks carried out by the federal government forces in South West are ones he accused the former President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, of being responsible for, also stating that these attacks have affected civilians and those opposed to the government.

He mentioned that at the end of March 2026, federal government troops moved towards Baydhabo, following agreements he claimed the federal government made with Al-Shabaab to facilitate the movement of government forces between Mogadishu and Baydhabo.

The letter also stated that military operations have been ongoing in South West for six months, with Laftagareen accusing the federal government of using Cessna aircraft to conduct airstrikes on villages near Baydhabo.

The areas mentioned in the letter include Hartiagle, Ceel Doon, Ceel Ka Naho, Saaydhlelow, and Sagara Gali, with reports that these airstrikes have caused harm to civilians and livestock.

Laftagareen also accused a company he claimed brought the Cessna aircraft to Somalia, establishing a connection with Ahmed Guuleed and former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. These allegations are included in the letter Laftagareen sent to international parties.

Another part of the letter mentioned an attack that occurred in Doolow, which Laftagareen stated was carried out by a Turkish-owned F-16 fighter jet against General Mahad Abdirahman Abdi, known as General Shub.

Laftagareen argued that these actions cannot be interpreted solely as operations related to the fight against terrorism, but he stated that they have impacted the civilians, the administration of South West, and the stability of Somalia.

5 points Laftagareen submitted to the international community

The letter requested the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, IGAD, and other relevant parties to:

Clearly condemn what he referred to as the attacks in South West and the attacks against civilians and political opposition.