Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s decision to appoint an interim leader for Southwest State, describing the move as unconstitutional and a direct challenge to Somalia’s federal system.
In a formal statement, Sharmarke questioned what he described as the downgrading of a federal member state into a subordinate authority under central government control. He argued that there is no constitutional or legal basis for replacing an elected regional administration with a federally appointed transitional leadership.
“There is no law that allows for the replacement of a state with a transitional administration that answers to the Federal Government,” he stated, emphasizing that Somalia’s federal structure is built on a clear division of powers between federal and regional institutions.
While acknowledging that transitional arrangements can occur within regional electoral processes, Sharmarke warned that the current move raises serious concerns about the future direction of the country’s governance model. He questioned whether the Federal Government is attempting to reshape the federal system beyond its constitutional limits.
He further cautioned that bypassing established legal frameworks risks undermining years of fragile political progress and could trigger a renewed governance crisis.
Sharmarke’s remarks add to mounting criticism from opposition figures and political leaders who have rejected the federal intervention in Southwest State.
The controversy follows a decree issued by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointing Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi as interim head of the state. The Federal Government has defended the decision as a necessary step to ensure continuity of governance, stabilize the region, and oversee preparations for Somalia’s planned one-person, one-vote electoral process, particularly in light of recent political tensions in Baidoa.
Southwest State has increasingly become a focal point of tensions between Mogadishu and regional authorities, particularly over constitutional amendments and electoral reforms. Analysts warn that the dispute highlights the fragility of Somalia’s federal arrangement and underscores the urgent need for inclusive, consensus-driven dialogue to prevent further political fragmentation.
