Clashes Erupt Outside Baidoa Between Federal Troops and Ousted SouthWest Leader’s Forces

BAIDOA, Somalia — Gunfire broke out on the outskirts of Baidoa on Friday after fighters loyal to the ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen moved against positions held by Somali federal government troops, according to security sources and local residents.

The violence flared near the southwestern city at a moment of already sharp political strain, deepening concerns over security in a region long shaped by disputes over South West State’s leadership.

Residents said the confrontation started when Laftagareen-aligned fighters launched attacks on bases occupied by troops of the Federal Government of Somalia.

There was no immediate official word on casualties, and neither federal authorities nor South West State officials had publicly addressed the fighting by Friday.

Witnesses said the atmosphere remained tense in Baidoa and surrounding areas, with fears the clashes could widen. The Somali government recently held a disputed election in the city, but the results have not yet been announced. 

Laftagareen was removed from office on March 30 after weeks of political stalemate and military confrontations with the Federal Government of Somalia over contested South West State elections.

The former regional leader, now in Kenya, has maintained that he is still the legitimate president of South West State and has said he will return to Baidoa.

Sources familiar with the situation said forces loyal to Laftagareen have been massing outside the city in recent weeks, fueling worries that the area could slide back into open conflict.

AXADLETM