PM Hamza announces a plan attempted by the government regarding Lafta-gareen

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) — The Prime Minister of Somalia Hamza Abdi Barre has called on the former president of South West State Abdikasiis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen to return to negotiations, accusing him of putting loyal fighters in a dangerous situation in areas controlled by Al-Shabaab.

Hamza, in an interview aired on the Miizaan program of Dawan Media on Saturday, stated that the federal government is still ready to discuss the conflict between the two sides with Laftagareen and to reach a resolution through dialogue.

“The place you have gone to is not a good place. Come back,” he said, directly addressing Laftagareen.

The Prime Minister claimed that fighters accompanying Laftagareen had entered areas controlled by Al-Shabaab, while Laftagareen himself is in Nairobi.

Hamza stated that information received by the government indicates that Al-Shabaab is conducting investigations and assessments on those men, warning that those who refuse to join the group may face danger.

“Abdikasiis is resting in Nairobi, but he has left those youths as guests for Al-Shabaab,” he said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the government had previously attempted to bring Laftagareen back to the negotiating table, through religious leaders and elders sent by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He stated that this effort was rejected.

Laftagareen has not yet responded to the latest remarks from Prime Minister Hamza.

The conflict between the two sides has previously caused battles around the city of Baydhaba, which occurred between federal forces and troops supporting Laftagareen.

The Ministry of Defense of Somalia has previously accused Al-Shabaab of being involved in one of those battles, although that claim could not be independently verified at the time.

Xamza stated that he had a close working relationship with Laftagareen for many years and expressed regret over how their political relationship has deteriorated.

When asked why Laftagareen has not received recognition of the party membership they share, Xamza stated that the former president of South West State left before the party could make a final decision on that matter.