Society

A federal delegation landed in Baidoa on Tuesday to manage the political transition in Southwest State, a day after regional president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen stepped down after seven years in power. The visit marks the first time some senior officials have returned to the city since a long-running political dispute, with second deputy prime minister Jibriil Adirashiid appointed to head the interim administration.

In a sudden turn of events, a resignation post made by former President Lafta-Gareen has been deleted from his official page-leaving supporters and political observers questioning whether the move was a change of heart or a technical misstep.

New video footage from Baidoa shows the Federal Government of Somalia’s minister of livestock, Hassan Hussein Mohamed (Eelay), entering the city in bulletproof vehicles provided by Turkey. The move signals heightened official presence in the strategic hub.

After forces loyal to Southwest State's security apparatus—reportedly supported by Somali National Army (SNA) elements—engaged in a violent confrontation with troops under the direct command of the Southwest administration, there have been intense heavy weapon exchanges in Baydhabo, especially near the city's main livestock market. The conflict has led to a dangerous escalation of internal power struggles within the region's security forces.

Large military trucks belonging to the Somali National Army (SNA) pushed deep into the city’s interior on Monday, but the expected public fanfare was absent. Residents looked on with what witnesses described as “emotional numbness”—neither welcoming nor resisting the heavy deployment.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, and MP Abdikadir Osoble have not issued congratulatory messages to Abdi Aziz Lafta Gareen following his re-election as South West State President. The absence of recognition signals political dissatisfaction over the transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process, deepening divisions within Somalia’s political landscape.

Fresh from his re-election victory, the President of Southwest State has pledged to consolidate security gains, accelerate development projects, and expand healthcare services, asking for continued support to “complete what remains” of his administration’s agenda.