BAIDOA, Somalia — Southwest State’s information minister on Monday denied social media reports that fighting erupted overnight in Baidoa, insisting the regional capital remains calm despite unverified accounts of a mortar incident near a military installation.
- Minister says “no shooting” occurred and daily life is normal in Baidoa
- Unconfirmed online claims alleged a mortar round landed near a Southwest State base
- Officials accuse unnamed groups in Mogadishu of spreading misinformation
- Denial comes amid broader political friction between federal and regional authorities
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Mohamed Ibrahim Bilal told reporters that claims of gunfire and clashes in Baidoa were false. “There was no shooting in Baidoa. I myself am in the center of the city,” he said, adding that markets and offices were operating as usual.
The minister’s remarks followed a flurry of online posts alleging a mortar had struck an area close to a Southwest State military base, prompting security forces to return fire. Those accounts have not been independently verified, and no official security statement detailing an incident was issued as of Monday. It was not immediately clear whether local authorities are investigating the alleged mortar fire.
Bilal accused unnamed actors in Mogadishu of attempting to sow fear through “lies and propaganda,” urging residents to rely on official channels rather than rumor. He also rejected speculation that relations between the Southwest administration and the federal government were fraying, saying ties remain normal.
Political observers, however, note that tensions have escalated in recent weeks between Mogadishu and some federal member states over proposed constitutional amendments and the electoral framework. While those broader disputes have not been linked to any security event in Baidoa, they have heightened political sensitivities and created a fertile environment for misinformation.
The conflicting claims highlight a familiar challenge in Somalia’s information space: unverified posts spreading rapidly online well before authorities issue formal updates. In such conditions, isolated blasts, false alarms or routine security movements can trigger waves of speculation that are difficult to dislodge. Officials in multiple regions have warned that rumor-driven narratives can unsettle residents and strain already limited security resources.
Baidoa, a political and commercial hub for Southwest State, has seen periods of heightened alert in the past, making swift and credible communication critical when reports of incidents surface. On Monday, the regional information ministry emphasized continuity of public life and reiterated that security operations in and around the city were proceeding without interruption.
As of Monday evening, Axadle Times could not corroborate the reported mortar strike or any exchange of fire. Authorities urged the public to await verified updates from official channels. No casualties, arrests or damage were reported by local officials.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
