Heavy Fighting Erupts in Baidoa as Federal Forces Clash with Forces Loyal to Former South West Leader
BAIDOA, Somalia — Heavy gunfire was heard across parts of Baidoa on Monday morning after forces loyal to former South West State leader Abdicaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen clashed with forces affiliated with the Federal Government of Somalia.
Witnesses in the city reported intense gunfire in several neighborhoods, sparking fear among civilians. Businesses closed their doors, while traffic and public movement dropped sharply after the fighting began.
Preliminary reports indicate that forces supporting Laftagareen entered the city from multiple directions and engaged units of the Federal Government forces stationed in Baidoa.
A local businessman told Dalsan TV that the pro-Laftagareen forces entered Baidoa from two directions, with fighting intensifying as the confrontation continued.
Casualties Remain Unconfirmed
The number of people killed or wounded in the fighting has not yet been independently verified. It also remains unclear which side has full control over the areas where the clashes took place.
Statements circulated by the opposing sides have made conflicting claims about the situation, but those claims have yet to be independently confirmed.
Residents said the gunfire had occasionally subsided before intensifying again. Military movements have also been reported across the city, raising concerns that the fighting could spread to additional neighborhoods.
Political Dispute Escalates into Armed Conflict
The latest clashes are rooted in a long-running political dispute between the Federal Government and the former administration of South West State.
Laftagareen stepped down from office on March 30, 2026, following the takeover of Baidoa by Federal Government forces. The political transition followed months of tensions surrounding elections, constitutional amendments, and the distribution of powers between the Federal Government and Somalia’s federal member states.
Although Laftagareen left office, forces loyal to him have reportedly carried out several attacks in and around Baidoa in recent months. Laftagareen and his supporters continue to challenge the legitimacy of the political changes that took place in South West State.
Civilians Caught in the Middle
Civilians are bearing the immediate consequences of the renewed fighting. Many families fear that continued clashes could force them to flee their homes, at a time when the region is already facing the effects of drought, conflict, and difficult living conditions.
Residents have been urged to stay away from areas where armed forces are engaged and to remain indoors until the security situation improves.
Baidoa is the administrative capital of South West State and an important center for Somalia’s politics, security, and humanitarian operations in the southern part of the country. Prolonged fighting could pose serious risks to civilians, local businesses, and humanitarian aid operations.
The Federal Government and forces supporting Laftagareen have yet to issue comprehensive and independently verifiable statements providing a full account of the casualties and the current situation in the city.
