Ethiopia: Fighting Erupts in Somalia's Baidoa Between Federal Forces, Former Southwest President Loyalists

On Monday, heavy clashes broke out in central Baidoa between Somali federal forces and militias loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. This renewed conflict follows months of political tension that escalated in March when federal forces took control of Baidoa. Sources report that Laftagareen's supporters entered the city from two directions and engaged two battalions of federal troops.

A local shopkeeper claims that federal forces used heavy weapons, resulting in at least two civilian deaths and injuries. Laftagareen's spokesperson claimed on Facebook that his forces captured Baidoa, but Reuters could not independently confirm this. The Somali federal government reported that its positions were attacked by armed elements, including Al-Shabaab fighters and Laftagareen-aligned militias, claiming nearly 30 casualties and several captures.

Local media reported fighting in several neighborhoods, disrupting communications and showing armed fighters and smoke in videos. The extent of casualties remains uncertain. This conflict comes after a series of political confrontations between Mogadishu and Laftagareen's administration, which intensified in March when federal forces entered Baidoa and seized key installations.

The fighting around the takeover reportedly killed at least two people and wounded 25 others. The federal takeover allegedly deepened tensions within Somalia's fragile federal system. In June, South West State elected a new president, but the political dispute remains unresolved. Baidoa, a major humanitarian hub, hosts numerous displaced individuals and children suffering from severe malnutrition.