The European Union has voiced concern about escalating tensions between Somalia’s federal government and South West State, urging both parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.

EU Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, stated that the bloc is carefully monitoring developments in South West State and called on all sides to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.

Di Mauro emphasized that the current situation requires engagement and support for mediation efforts.

“The EU in Somalia is tracking the escalating situation in the South West State with concern. Constructive dialogue is critical at this point; all mediation efforts are welcome and should be given a chance,” she said.

She welcomed reconciliation initiatives led by South West State elders, noting that such opportunities provide a chance to address differences without further escalation.

The ambassador stressed that locally driven peace efforts can help bring both sides together and reduce tensions.

The EU further urged the federal government and South West State authorities to engage in dialogue and resolve their issues through diplomatic means, warning that continued confrontation could worsen the situation.

Efforts to ease tensions are underway, with elders stepping forward to mediate and restore communication between leaders in Mogadishu and Baidoa.

During a press conference in Mogadishu, the elders reported progress in initiating talks. They announced that both sides had agreed to hold discussions in Baidoa and to resume flights that had been disrupted by the dispute.

“President Lafta-gareen and President Hassan Sheikh have agreed that the current dispute will be resolved through dialogue, which will take place in Baidoa,” said Ugaas Shire Ugaas Warsam.

The elders’ announcement indicated a step toward reducing tensions, as the dispute has raised concern among local communities and international observers.

South West State authorities have accused the federal government of escalating the situation through military actions, warning that such steps could push the country toward conflict and worsen the humanitarian situation.

In a statement, South West State claimed that the deployment of Somali National Army (SNA) forces into the region indicates a move toward military confrontation over political disagreements that should be addressed through legal and constitutional processes.

The statement further alleged that national military resources are being used for internal political purposes instead of focusing on operations against Al-Shabab. It said some of the forces deployed in the region had received training and support from international partners, including Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

According to the statement, these forces are now being used in operations not directed at combating Al-Shabab, raising concerns about the role of the national army.

“The situation has taken an even more alarming turn as the Somali National Army has, in practice, been reduced to a clan-based force,” the statement said. “Troops drawn largely from the president’s own clan are now being deployed against the people of Southwest State. This is widely viewed by local communities as a clan-driven attack, sharply escalating tensions and creating a real and immediate risk of civil war.”

The federal government has not publicly responded to these claims, but the developments have added to concerns about stability in the region.