Baidoa(Mogadishu24)-Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Lafta-gareen’ defended the residents of Hudur in Bakool region, who expressed support for Ethiopian troops in Somalia and protested against the expected arrival of Egyptian forces as part of the new African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) after ATMIS.

Addressing the residents, Lafta-gareen stated, “You did not do anything wrong. You expressed your views about the reality on the ground. Those who offended you did shameful acts against unity and statehood.”

He condemned the offensive remarks made against the people of Hudur from Mogadishu during his absence and described them as an attack on federalism and the governance of the Somali statehood.

The president further emphasized that the residents had the right to voice their opinions and that their message was directed at those concerned. “Blaming and labeling shame on your true views under the pretext of fake patriotism is unfortunate,” Lafta-gareen added, praising the patriotism of the people in the Southwest State.

Lafta-gareen also commended the 25 federal members of parliament representing the Southwest State for their active role in standing up for their constituents. He called for unity among the people of Southwest Somalia and encouraged them to focus on security and their future.

The president’s remarks come after tensions flared between MPs from the Southwest State and those from the Hawiye clan, leading to the tabling of a motion to withdraw immunity from Southwest MPs accused of treason.

This standoff led to the cancellation of three parliamentary sessions last week. Despite these tensions, Lafta-gareen saw an opportunity to address the issue following his return from a foreign trip on Monday, signaling a potential resolution to the conflict.