Somalia federal army has taken control of Baidoa, the largest city in Southwest state, prompting the resignation of the regional leader and escalating political tensions ahead of national elections.
The takeover marks a sharp escalation in a dispute between the federal government in Mogadishu and the Southwest administration, exposing ongoing divisions within Somalia’s fragile federal system.
Federal troops moved into Baidoa on Monday and assumed full control of the city, located about 245 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. The city serves as a key administrative and humanitarian hub, hosting international peacekeepers and aid agencies operating in a region affected by drought, conflict and displacement.
Residents described a tense but calm situation after the deployment, with limited activity reported across the المدينة.
“Federal forces have taken over Baidoa. It is now calm but it looks like a ghost town,” a local elder told Reuters.
The military move effectively ended the authority of the Southwest administration in Baidoa and signaled the beginning of a federally backed political transition.
Shortly after the army entered the city, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen announced his resignation in a statement posted on Facebook.
“I, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, effective today, 30 March 2026, have resigned from the position of President of Southwest State,” he said.
Laftagareen had been in office for more than seven years. His resignation came days after he was re-elected for another five year term in a vote that the federal government declared illegal.
The political standoff had intensified in recent weeks after his administration announced it was severing ties with Mogadishu, deepening tensions over governance and constitutional reforms.
Ahmed Mohamed Hussein, the region finance minister, has been appointed acting president as part of the transition process.
Political tensions rise ahead of elections
Federal authorities in Mogadishu welcomed the transition and called for calm, stressing the importance of stability during the shift in leadership.
“The people of the Southwest state have taken control of Baidoa, signalling demand for accountability,” Information Minister Daud Aweis said in a statement.
He added that the government remains committed to protecting civilians and ensuring no retaliation occurs during what he described as a sensitive period.
Officials emphasized that any acts of revenge or violence would not be tolerated, underscoring efforts to prevent further instability in the region.
The developments come at a critical time as Somalia prepares for a highly anticipated national election later this year.
Disputes over electoral processes and constitutional amendments have fueled mistrust between the federal government and regional leaders. Plans for a one person one vote election have faced logistical and security challenges, raising doubts about their implementation.
Somalia currently uses an indirect electoral system in which delegates select members of parliament, who then elect the president. Critics argue the system remains vulnerable to political interference.
Laftagareen administration had opposed constitutional changes backed by the federal government, further widening divisions.
The situation in Baidoa has also raised humanitarian concerns. Many residents have fled the city in recent days fearing potential clashes between federal troops and regional forces.
Some aid agencies temporarily suspended operations due to security risks in an area already grappling with food insecurity and displacement.
The Ministry of Information said federal forces were welcomed into the city and blamed the former regional administration for creating political conflict.
Analysts warn that continued disputes between Mogadishu and regional states could undermine efforts to stabilize Somalia and conduct credible elections.
