Somalia sends weapons to central region after ouster of regional leader
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government has flown planeloads of weapons into the central town of Dhusamareb, days after the military ouster of a key regional leader, in a move analysts say is aimed at consolidating control across federal member states. The weapons, delivered Saturday under the oversight of federal officials, are intended to arm […]
Black News 
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government has flown planeloads of weapons into the central town of Dhusamareb, days after the military ouster of a key regional leader, in a move analysts say is aimed at consolidating control across federal member states.
The weapons, delivered Saturday under the oversight of federal officials, are intended to arm at least 1,000 newly trained soldiers based near Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug, according to Caasimada Online news website.
The deployment follows the federal government’s recent airlift of troops to Guriel. Analysts say the moves point to preparations to assert greater control over the strategic region and potentially influence its leadership.
The developments come less than a week after the removal of Southwest state President Abdiasis Laftagaren, an operation that has heightened expectations of similar efforts elsewhere.
Attention has turned to Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Qoorqoor, who rose to power with the backing of former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and has since aligned himself with Mohamud. Qoorqoor has supported key federal initiatives, including controversial constitutional amendments and proposals for a one person, one vote electoral system.
Despite that alignment, his position remains uncertain. Mahad Salad, director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency and a close ally of the president, is seen by analysts as a potential contender for the Galmudug presidency.
Qoorqoor is expected to travel to Mogadishu in the coming days for talks with federal leaders that are likely to focus on his political future, according to people familiar with the matter. He is expected to highlight his support for the federal government’s agenda in an effort to retain his position.
Analysts say attention may also shift to Hirshabelle, where similar political pressure could emerge. Some expect the federal government to pursue limited universal suffrag elections in selected constitutencies, similar to a recent Mogadishu municipal vote boycotted by opposition groups, to shape leadership outcomes.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that one regional leader has sought $2 million in exchange for stepping aside and not contesting a future election, potentially clearing the way for a candidate aligned with the federal leadership.
The political maneuvering comes as federal forces work to stabilize Baidoa, where troops seized control last week following weeks of mobilization and advances reportedly supported by Turkey.
Videos circulating on social media since the takeover appear to show widespread looting, while reports of reprisal attacks have also emerged. Some incidents have targeted officials linked to the former administration, and in some cases civilians have been attacked because of clan affiliations associated with Laftagaren.
Parliament’s mandate is set to expire April 14, with the president’s term ending May 15. Opposition leaders, along with the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland, have opposed the federal government’s approach and called for agreement on an electoral timeline.
They have warned that without a consensus before the end of the president’s term, they may move to form a parallel administration.
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