Some figures within Somalia’s opposition have indicated that their earlier support for the contested election of South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen may not have been well founded, following subsequent developments that saw him leave Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State.

According to statements attributed to several opposition members, their support at the time was based on a particular political assessment of the situation. However, they have since suggested that the position taken by the Federal Government was, in their view, more accurate than they had initially considered.

The individuals concerned described the matter as a political misjudgment, noting that such outcomes can arise in the course of political decision-making, where assessments may later be reconsidered in light of changing circumstances and broader reflection.

Among the political figures reported to have expressed support for Laftagareen during the brief period surrounding the election in Baidoa were former Presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed; former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Abdi Farah Shirdon Saacid; as well as Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe).

By contrast, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, and the leaders of Hirshabelle and Galmudug did not publicly comment on the matter.