MPs from Somalia’s Federal Parliament, who are supportive of the Southwest State administration, have accused Ethiopian troops based in Buurhakaba district of not complying with orders from Southwest State authorities. The MPs claim that the Ethiopian troops allowed Ministers of the Somali Federal Government to organize an armed rebellion against Southwest State, which goes against the powers of regional states. They have warned that this could worsen the political and security situation in Southwest State and have called for all sides to respect the administrative and security processes in place. The Ethiopian troops have not yet responded to these allegations. Meanwhile, the Parliament Speaker of Southwest State, Dr. Ali Said Fiqi, strongly opposes the Somali Federal Government’s decision to hold elections in Barawe, stating that it poses a threat to the region’s stability. He made these remarks on his Twitter account, stating that Barawe is not the capital and no parliamentary or ministerial meetings have taken place there. He emphasized that the real administrative power and decision-making seat is in Baidoa, where the parliament and government agencies are located. He stated, “The Somali Federal Government’s push to hold elections in Barawe is unacceptable and a detrimental step. The presence of Somali troops in Barawe shows that this is not about an agreement or law, but a power imposed on a political plan.” The Southwest State parliament speaker also warned that their security forces are prepared to defend the region and any clashes would be unpredictable. He held the Somali Federal Government responsible for any instigation in Barawe and stated that any conflict that arises will be their responsibility. He concluded, “If the situation escalates into clashes, the Somali Federal Government will be held accountable. This is not a personal issue, but a matter of the Somali people’s well-being.”
