Somalia’s federal government has imposed financial sanctions on former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and nine other individuals, escalating its efforts to disrupt suspected financial networks linked to the militant group Al-Shabaab.

The National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Committee announced the decision on October 13, 2026. Under the directive, banks and other institutions covered by Somali law must freeze assets belonging to the listed individuals and halt prohibited financial transactions involving them.

The committee said it had reviewed information and evidence suggesting that the individuals were linked to, cooperating with or providing financial support to Al-Shabaab. However, the published notice did not detail the evidence against each person or identify the specific transactions that led to the sanctions.

The list also includes former Somali Custodial Corps commander Mahad Abdirahman Adan, widely known as Mahad Shub, alongside eight other individuals.

The order requires relevant institutions to report associated financial activity to Somalia’s Financial Reporting Centre. Authorities have warned that violations of the restrictions could lead to legal consequences.

The announcement comes amid prolonged political and security tensions in South West State following Laftagareen’s departure from office in March. His supporters have remained involved in a dispute over the region’s leadership, while federal authorities have previously alleged links between his forces and Al-Shabaab. Laftagareen’s camp has denied cooperating with the militant group.

The sanctions are a financial enforcement measure, not a public announcement of criminal convictions. The committee’s notice did not disclose whether the listed individuals had been arrested or charged in connection with the allegations.

The decision is likely to draw attention to Somalia’s efforts to restrict the financing of militant activity, as well as the political tensions surrounding the former South West administration. Further developments may clarify how the restrictions are implemented and whether the named individuals challenge their designation.