By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, September 27, 2026 Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has urged former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen to enter peace talks, while accusing him of putting fighters loyal to him at risk in territory controlled by Al-Shabaab.
Speaking in an interview with Dawan's Miizaan Podcast aired on Saturday, Barre said the government remained willing to talk to Laftagareen and resolve the dispute through dialogue.
"Where you have gone is not a good place. Come back," Barre said, addressing the former state leader.
Barre alleged that fighters who had accompanied Laftagareen entered Al-Shabaab-held territory while Laftagareen was in Nairobi. He said information received by the government suggested the militant group was assessing the men and that those who refused to join it could face danger.
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"Abdiaziz is resting in Nairobi, but he has left those young men as guests of Al-Shabaab," Barre said.
The prime minister said the government had sought to bring Laftagareen back to talks through religious leaders and elders sent by the parliamentary speaker, but that the effort had been rejected. Laftagareen's response to Barre's latest remarks was not available.
The dispute has led to fighting around Baidoa between federal troops and forces loyal to Laftagareen. Somalia's defence ministry previously alleged Al-Shabaab involvement in one of the clashes, a claim that could not be independently verified at the time.
Barre said he had worked closely with Laftagareen for years and regretted the breakdown in their relationship. Asked why Laftagareen had not received membership credentials from their political party, Barre said the former state leader had left before the party reached a decision.