Somalia Forces Clash Over Baidoa Control

Somali government forces have clashed with troops loyal to ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen in a battle over control of Baidoa, with authorities accusing his fighters of working with the armed group Al-Shabaab.

The government said Laftagareen-aligned forces launched an attack on army positions in Baidoa, the capital of South West State, at about 5:00 am on Monday. Officials said the assault involved “vehicles laden with explosives” and claimed government troops killed nearly 30 militants during the response.

The confrontation marks another escalation in Somalia’s political divisions, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration faces opposition from several regional states and continues a long-running fight against Al-Shabaab, which controls large areas of central Somalia.

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In March, federal forces moved against Laftagareen, removing him from power in South West State. He later attempted to retake control of the region in May but failed.

Somali Army — Somali soldiers patrol a street. Credit: Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh

A spokesperson for Laftagareen’s administration claimed his forces had taken control of parts of Baidoa during Monday’s fighting. However, residents told AFP that the fighters were later pushed back, with federal troops regaining control of the city.

“We saw both sides exchanging fire on some streets, and the fighting continued for several hours,” resident Adan Nurey told AFP by phone, adding that Laftagareen’s forces eventually withdrew.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which operates medical facilities in Baidoa, confirmed that clashes had taken place and said: “several casualties have reached the hospital”. The organisation said the fighting occurred on “two fronts” but did not provide further details on the number of injured.

The fighting comes as President Mohamud continues efforts to move Somalia towards a democratic electoral system that would replace clan-based selection methods. However, his government has faced criticism over extending its mandate, while ongoing insecurity and political disagreements have slowed progress towards nationwide elections.

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