Somali army commanders meet in Baidoa after clashes with Laftagareen loyalists
Officials at the meeting commended what they described as the alertness and rapid response of the security forces, saying the attack was stopped before the armed group could accomplish its goals.
Sunday May 31, 2026
Baidoa (AX) — An emergency security meeting was convened in Baidoa on Saturday by commanders of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division, hours after fierce clashes erupted between federal government forces and troops aligned with former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
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The session was aimed at tightening security in the city, improving coordination among security agencies and forestalling any fresh attacks following the morning confrontation.
Military officials said government forces repelled the assault and drove armed elements loyal to Laftagareen out of Baidoa. They added that security positions across the city were reinforced in the aftermath of the fighting.
Officials at the meeting commended what they described as the alertness and rapid response of the security forces, saying the attack was stopped before the armed group could accomplish its goals.
Participants also called for stronger cooperation between security institutions and local residents, saying such coordination is essential to safeguarding civilians and preserving stability.
The emergency gathering took place on the same day newly elected members of Southwest State’s House of Representatives were sworn in in Baidoa. The ceremony proceeded despite the violence, highlighting the tense political and security backdrop surrounding the federal-backed transition process.
Laftagareen continues to insist that he remains the legitimate president of Southwest State and has said his forces will move to restore control over the region.
The latest confrontation underscores the widening crisis in Southwest State, where disputes over leadership, elections and federal influence have increasingly spilled into armed conflict.
Baidoa, the interim capital of Southwest State, remains a key political and military hub in southern Somalia. While the swearing-in of the new parliament marked an important milestone in the region’s political process, the clashes made clear how difficult it remains to consolidate authority and prevent further unrest.
