BAIDOA — Former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has said he is preparing to return to Baidoa, delivering a statement that could further raise political tensions in the regional capital.
Laftagareen said he was waiting to return to Baidoa and would not wait for the federal government before doing so.
“I am waiting to return to Baidoa. I am not waiting for the government,” Laftagareen said.
The remarks come at a sensitive time for South West State, where political disagreements between federal authorities and regional political actors have intensified in recent weeks. Baidoa remains the center of the dispute because of its political and administrative importance to the state.
Laftagareen’s possible return is likely to attract significant political attention, given his continued influence among supporters and his previous role as president of South West State. His return could potentially reshape ongoing political discussions and increase pressure on both federal and regional authorities to address outstanding disagreements.
The former South West leader has previously been involved in disputes with the federal government over political and security issues in the region. His latest statement appears to signal that he intends to pursue his political activities in Baidoa rather than wait for an agreement or formal arrangement with federal authorities.
The situation also comes amid broader discussions over elections, political representation and the future leadership of South West State. Any move by Laftagareen to return could therefore have implications for the region’s political process.
Security arrangements surrounding Baidoa are also expected to remain closely watched as political tensions continue. Authorities have not publicly indicated how they would respond to Laftagareen’s reported return.
For now, the timing of his return and the nature of his planned political activities remain unclear. His comments, however, underscore the continuing political contest over South West State and the increasingly sensitive relationship between regional political actors and Somalia’s federal government.
