BAIDOA — Heavy fighting has erupted in Baidoa as forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” launched a new offensive against Somali federal government troops and forces supporting the Mogadishu-backed administration led by Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe.”
Heavy gunfire was reported early Thursday in several neighbourhoods of Baidoa, including Al-Axmaar and Al-Faras, as the rival forces exchanged fire. Residents reported intense sounds of gunfire in parts of the city, while concerns grew over the safety of civilians caught near the areas of confrontation.
Ugaas Hassan, a spokesman for Laftagareen-aligned forces, said the forces had begun an operation to “liberate” Baidoa. He called on federal soldiers to surrender and urged fighters to protect civilians. Residents were also advised to remain indoors as the military operation continued.
The number of casualties and the extent of the fighting could not immediately be independently confirmed. It was also unclear which side currently controls the areas where fighting has taken place.
The latest clashes are linked to a long-running political dispute over the leadership and future administration of South West State. Relations between Laftagareen and Somalia’s federal government deteriorated sharply following disagreements over constitutional reforms, elections and the regional leadership transition.
Federal forces entered Baidoa in March 2026 following the political dispute surrounding Laftagareen’s re-election. Laftagareen subsequently resigned and left the city, but his supporters rejected the transition and continued to oppose the federal government’s handling of the South West leadership crisis.
Madobe was later elected as the new South West State leader with backing from the federal government, further increasing tensions between the two political camps.
The confrontation turned increasingly violent on August 17, when Laftagareen-aligned forces attacked positions held by federal troops and forces supporting Madobe. The fighting marked one of the most serious escalations in the crisis and prompted concerns about a wider conflict in and around Baidoa.
Since then, both sides have reportedly continued to mobilize armed personnel around the city. The renewed military buildup has raised fears that Baidoa could face prolonged instability if political negotiations fail to resolve the dispute.
Civilians have been among those most affected by the escalating tensions. Residents in some neighbourhoods have reportedly left their homes, while others have remained indoors because of fears that fighting could spread to residential areas.
Humanitarian access could also become more difficult if the clashes continue, particularly if major roads and routes connecting Baidoa to surrounding areas become unsafe.
The crisis presents a major challenge for Somalia’s federal government, which has sought to strengthen its authority over the federal member states while facing opposition from regional political figures and their supporters.
The situation in Baidoa remains highly fluid. Further clashes, additional troop deployments or attempts at mediation could determine whether the latest confrontation develops into a broader conflict or is brought under control through political negotiations.
