​The former leader of the Southwest administration, Abdiaziz Laftagareen, stated that he is the legitimate President of the Southwest administration.
​Laftagareen stated that the military invasion launched on Baidoa was not aimed at him personally, but rather at the very existence of the Southwest administration.
​He added that while he is currently in exile from Baidoa, the people of Southwest are being oppressed.
​Laftagareen announced that he is entering a struggle aimed at liberating Southwest.
​Forces loyal to the former leader of the Southwest administration, Laftagareen, have been carrying out military movements in parts of the Southwest and Gedo regions, raising concerns that Southwest may enter a phase of armed conflicts.
