Somalia’s Southwest State Imposes Travel Ban on Military Chiefs Amid Rift with Federal Government

BAIDOA, Somalia — South West State authorities on Monday ordered senior military and security officers not to leave Baidoa, imposing an immediate travel ban that underscores rising tension with Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.

The emergency directive, issued by the South West State Ministry of Internal Security, requires all designated security officials to remain in the regional capital “until further notice.” The ministry framed the measure as necessary to “guarantee general security and stability” amid reports of political organizing and military maneuvering in the region.

The move follows reports that the Federal Government of Somalia summoned multiple commanders from Baidoa to Mogadishu in recent days, a development that regional officials view as an effort to weaken the administration of South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Lafta-Gareen. He has led the state since 2018 and now faces his most serious challenge since taking office.

Among those reportedly called to the capital are Col. Mohamud Shahiyow, the South West State chief of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and Col. Mohamed Yarisow Adan, commander of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division. While some officers are believed to have already traveled to Mogadishu, the status of others remained unclear as of Monday.

“The Ministry of Internal Security… hereby informs all aforementioned officials that as of today, March 16, 2026, they may not leave the city of Baidoa for any travel until further notice,” the ministry said in its statement.

Regional officials and local political figures say the summons from Mogadishu has overlapped with a surge of opposition activity inside South West State, including organizing efforts by critics of Lafta-Gareen. Some in Baidoa allege elements aligned with federal interests are seeking to capitalize on the uncertainty by courting security figures and challenging the regional administration’s authority.

Analysts and community leaders warn that the current standoff could harden if neither side moves toward de-escalation or mediation. The decision to restrict the movement of commanders is being interpreted by observers as a defensive step aimed at preserving internal cohesion and preventing defections at a moment of flux in the security hierarchy.

The federal government has not publicly commented on South West State’s new travel restrictions or on the reported summons of the commanders. The lack of an official federal response has added to uncertainty in Baidoa, where residents and business owners are bracing for potential disruptions if political wrangling spills into the streets.

South West State, one of Somalia’s five federal member states, has grown in strategic importance due to its location, population centers and military footprint. Any prolonged confrontation over control of security institutions could complicate local governance, strain cooperation between Mogadishu and Baidoa, and risk unsettling a region where stability has often depended on coordinated security structures.

As of Monday evening, checkpoints in and around Baidoa remained active, and local authorities reiterated that all named officers must comply with the travel ban. There were no immediate reports of clashes linked to the order. It was not clear how long the restrictions would remain in place.

The situation remains fluid. Political actors in both Baidoa and Mogadishu are watching to see whether the travel ban deters further reshuffling of commanders—or accelerates a broader test of authority between the regional administration and the federal center.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.