Tensions are escalating in Somalia as federal troops advance toward the regional capital of Baidoa following the contested re-election of South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Lafta-gareen.
Lafta-gareen’s reappointment as president of South West State has not been recognized by the federal government, deepening an ongoing political rift between regional and central authorities.
In response, the federal government has deployed thousands of soldiers toward Baidoa, raising concerns over a potential confrontation. The troop movement comes amid heightened insecurity in the region, where clashes with the militant group Al-Shabaab continue.
According to an official government statement, fighting broke out earlier today near Daynuunay in the Bay region. The clashes reportedly occurred after Al-Shabaab fighters attempted to ambush Somali national forces.
Authorities stated that government troops successfully repelled the attack and have since taken control of the Daynuunay area, a strategically important location along a key route leading to Baidoa.
However, independent sources present a conflicting account, claiming that federal forces advancing toward Baidoa were forced to retreat following renewed pressure from Al-Shabaab. These reports also indicate that airstrikes were carried out in parts of the region, though details remain unclear.
The situation underscores growing instability in South West State, where political disputes and ongoing insurgent activity continue to threaten security and governance.
Election and constitutional dispute
The federal government of Somalia, whose term ends on May 15, has lost the support of the South West Administration, which was crucial to the government’s changes to the constitution and electoral system in the country.
The South West Administration has joined the administrations opposing the plan of Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to seek an extension of his term by holding one-person, one-vote elections whose date has not yet been set.
The powerful administrations of Puntland and Jubbaland have already opposed the plan of the Somali President, saying they do not recognize the new constitution announced in Mogadishu, and have warned of the potential threat to the federal system and the unity of the country if the government does not hold an agreed-upon election before the end of their term.
