African Union urges dialogue amid rising tensions in Somalia

The African Union (AU) on Sunday called on Somali leaders to engage in peaceful dialogue, warning that rising tensions between the federal government and South West State risk undermining the country’s stability, unity, and humanitarian situation.

The conflict stems from constitutional amendments approved by Somalia's parliament earlier this month, which extended President Hassan Sheikh Hassan Mohamud's term and shifted Somalia's electoral process toward direct parliamentary elections, moving away from the traditional clan-based selection system.

The South West State, led by President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, popularly known as Laftagareen, opposed the changes, arguing they lacked regional consensus and violated federal principles. The situation deteriorated when the federal government declared Laftagareen's mandate expired and reportedly attempted to replace him with allies. South West also accused Mogadishu of arming local militias and interfering in governance.

In mid-March, South West State announced it was severing all ties with the federal government. The move triggered clashes in the Bay region, troop movements, and disruptions, including halted flights between Baidoa, the largest city in South West, and Mogadishu.

In response to these developments, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed concerns, "We urge all Somali stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and make constructive use of the National Consultative Council to resolve differences peacefully. Dialogue remains the only sustainable path forward for Somalia's unity and stability." 

The AU also reiterated its support for Somalia's unity and state-building efforts, emphasizing that careful negotiation and consensus-building are vital to prevent further escalation.