BAIDOA — Tensions remain high in Baidoa, the administrative capital of Somalia’s South West State, amid reports that forces aligned with former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen are seeking to regain control of the city.
According to local reports, Laftagareen-aligned forces remain determined to return to Baidoa after being pushed out of the city several months ago following a confrontation with forces loyal to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
The situation has reportedly prompted the federal authorities to increase their security preparations in and around Baidoa. Government forces are said to have deployed additional troops to the city and surrounding areas in an effort to prevent any attempt by Laftagareen-aligned forces to seize government installations or take control of the administration.
The reported military buildup has raised concerns among residents, with fears that a confrontation between the rival forces could further destabilize South West State.
The political dispute surrounding Baidoa is also closely linked to wider disagreements between the Federal Government and Laftagareen over the administration and political future of South West State.
Sources familiar with the situation say forces supporting Laftagareen are determined to challenge the current security and political arrangements in Baidoa, while federal authorities appear to be preparing for any possible attempt to alter the balance of power on the ground.
The developments come as Somalia continues to face political tensions between the federal government and several federal member states, with disagreements over elections, governance and the distribution of political and security powers.
Residents are closely monitoring the situation as both sides reportedly reinforce their positions, raising fears of a possible confrontation if political efforts fail to ease the tensions.
