Somalia President Moves to Consolidate Control in Southwest Amid Leadership Contest

BAIDOA, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has wrapped up a several-day visit to Baidoa, a trip aimed at solidifying his political base and steering a tense leadership transition after federal forces seized the capital of South West State.

Mohamud’s visit came after the March 29 resignation of regional leader Abdiasis Laftagareen, who fled to Kenya following the takeover of the city by heavily armed Somali National Army (SNA) troops backed by allied clan militias.

The power shift has set off a fierce scramble inside Mohamud’s own circle. Among those vying for the regional presidency are federal parliamentary speaker Adan Mohamed Nur, Minister of Ports Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Minister of Livestock Hassan Elay. Political observers say the decisive factor is likely to be the president’s personal blessing as he works to strengthen federal influence in the semi-autonomous region.

In an effort to formalize the handover, the National Electoral Commission has set parliamentary and district council elections for April 28.

“These elections are an important step in ensuring public participation and the development of democracy in the Southwest,” Commission Chairperson Abdikarin Hassan said, adding that the vote will be conducted under a direct “one-person, one-vote” system.

Still, the federal push has also been shadowed by accusations of unlawful killings. Mahad Abdirahman, the recently removed regional security chief, alleged that two civilians were killed and their bodies burned during the operation. Axadle could not independently verify the claim, but Abdirahman said 2,000 loyalist troops remain dug in near Awdinle.

At a final security meeting with senior police and intelligence officials, Mohamud emphasized the need for close coordination to keep the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab from taking advantage of the political uncertainty.

The April elections amount to a major test for the federal government. If they go ahead as planned, they would mark an uncommon move from negotiated power-sharing to direct voting in one of Somalia’s most strategically important regions.

AXADLETM