NAIROBI (SD) – The former President of South West Somalia, Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, still insists that he is the legitimate president of that administration, despite having been defeated in office, according to sources close to him.

Laftagareen, who is currently in Nairobi, is reported to have hidden the resignation letter he had previously posted on his Facebook, although it was later restored, which has led to new suspicion and debate. Reports from various advisers and close parliamentarians indicate that he argues that he is still the President of South West, despite the area being taken over in Baydhabo.

Additionally, the information indicates that initially, he and his delegation were subjected to strong pressure, and attempts were made to divert his plane to Mogadishu. It is reported that a condition was made for him to resign first, after which he was allowed to leave Baydhabo.

On the other hand, the Federal Government of Somalia is currently making moves in Baydhabo, working on establishing an interim administration that will continue to manage the situation until a general election is held.

This new development has raised many questions about Lafta-gareen’s position and the political future of South West, at a time when politicians and federal officials are flocking to Baydhabo, and it is expected that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will soon visit.

Politicians who previously supported his re-election have confirmed that they are encouraging him not to resign and to continue serving as the president of South West Somalia.