Political and security tensions in Somalia’s South West State are intensifying as the Federal Government and the administration based in Baidoa mobilize forces to retake areas controlled by forces loyal to former president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
The head of the South West State administration, Aadan Mohamed Nur Madoobe, said Baidoa is the only area currently under his administration’s control.
“Of the districts in Bay region, today only Baidoa remains under our control,” Madoobe said.
The areas the Baidoa administration seeks to regain include Qansaxdheere, Bardaale, Buurhakaba, Diinsoor and Awdiinle, which are currently controlled by forces loyal to Laftagareen.
Madoobe accused Laftagareen and his forces of having links to the Al-Shabaab group and alleged that they were involved in attacks and bombings in Baidoa.
He also stated that residents of Xudur and Waajid were prepared to resist any attack. Meanwhile, reports from the region indicate military movements by Laftagareen’s forces in areas near Baidoa and other parts of Bay region.
The military mobilization, competing claims over territorial control and accusations between the two sides are adding to tensions in the region. If the situation is not resolved through political dialogue, the risk of armed clashes could increase, potentially affecting security and civilians in Bay and surrounding areas.
Baidoa remains the main center of political and military rivalry in South West State. Madoobe’s administration is seeking to regain control of areas it has lost, while forces loyal to Laftagareen continue their movements.
