Somali federal troops seized control of the key city of Baidoa on Monday, following clashes with forces loyal to the region’s president, whose mandate Mogadishu says expired in 2022.
The central government accused Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen of illegally extending his rule and resisting constitutional reforms enacted in early March, which extended the presidential term from four to five years and introduced direct elections for Somali MPs and senators, replacing the previous clan-based system.
Laftagareen, whose current whereabouts are unknown, later announced on social media that he had stepped down as South West State president.
The fighting erupted about six kilometres outside Baidoa, prompting local forces to flee, according to Hassan Mohamed. “We have now entered the town from the side of the animal market, and very soon, we are planning to clear the rest of the city of the deposed regime loyalists,” he said.
Residents confirmed that federal troops, alongside anti-regional militia fighters, entered the city after brief clashes in the suburbs. “There was no fighting inside Baidoa so far,” said local resident Mahdi Ali.
Prior to the takeover, officials from South West State vowed to repel the federal forces. “Those who have invaded the people of the South West State will never succeed. They will be defeated,” said Ugaas Hassan, a spokesperson for the state administration.
However, South West State Security Minister Mohamed Isak Osman later confirmed that the federal government had fully assumed responsibility for security in Baidoa, urging local forces to avoid confrontation.
Witnesses reported that former administration forces withdrew from all positions, allowing federal troops to secure key areas of the city. “The situation has stabilised with pro-federal government forces now in control of all key areas. Residents have taken to the streets to welcome them,” said Muhidin Derow.
Mogadishu reiterated its commitment to maintaining stability and protecting the property and well-being of residents, assuring that no acts of retaliation would occur.
Security sources indicated that between 600 and 800 federal soldiers, supported by hundreds of local militiamen, were deployed to retake Baidoa. The operation appears to have restored central government authority without prolonged urban fighting.
