The Speaker of the Southwest State Parliament has strongly criticized the Somali Federal Government for deploying troops in Barawe town, stating that this poses a significant threat to the Federal System and the existence of regional member states. Mr. Ali Fiqi emphasized that this is not a routine movement of troops, but rather a step that could have serious consequences for the political stability of the country. He reminded that the Federal System was implemented precisely to prevent such confrontations. He stated, “The people of Southwest State do not view this as leadership, but rather as an attack on their very existence.” He also cautioned against using the national army for political purposes, as this would erode the trust of the people and undermine the unity of the country. He added, “Once the national army is involved in political conflicts, it becomes a source of fear.” Mr. Fiqi expressed his disappointment at the situation, considering the efforts made by the international community to support Somalia’s reconstruction over the past 20 years. He noted that significant investments have been made in training the army and rebuilding government institutions in order to restore stability and confidence. He stated, “All of these efforts and sacrifices were aimed at establishing a trustworthy government. It is disheartening to see that this progress is now being undermined.” In conclusion, Mr. Fiqi urged the Somali Federal Government to refrain from such actions and to prioritize the protection of the Federal System and cooperation with Federal Member States in order to prevent potential political and security violence.
