Member of Parliament Mohamed Abdi, who was part of the delegation, confirmed to Mustaqbal Media that they were informed they could not travel to Baidoa, stating that the order came directly from the President of South West State, Abdiaziz Laftagareen.

“Seven MPs, including former Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Mursal, were prevented from travelling. President Abdiaziz Laftagareen explicitly blocked our trip,” said MP Mohamed Abdi.

The delegation, led by Mursal, had planned to travel to Baidoa to attend the opening ceremony of the National Unity and Development Party’s headquarters, where Mursal serves as deputy chairperson. The visit was also linked to preparations for the upcoming local elections scheduled for November 30.

Mursal had earlier warned against any attempt to obstruct their visit, describing such a move as a violation of the constitutional rights to political participation and freedom of expression.

He also emphasized that his party is legally registered and entitled to the same political rights as the ruling party led by President Laftagareen.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Federal Government of Somalia has been mediating efforts to resolve the political tensions between the South West State president and opposition politicians.