Somalia's Federal Troops Seize Baidoa After Regional Clashes

Somalia's federal troops seized control of Baidoa on Monday after clashes with forces loyal to South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, whose mandate expired in 2022. The fighting erupted about six kilometers from the city of several hundred thousand inhabitants, with federal forces entering via the animal market. This follows Laftagareen's opposition to constitutional reforms adopted in early March, which extend presidential terms from four to five years and introduce direct elections for MPs and senators.

Residents confirmed federal troops, accompanied by local militias opposed to regional authorities, entered the city after brief suburban fighting. 'The situation has stabilised with pro-federal government forces now in control of all key areas,' said Muhidin Derow, a local. Earlier, South West State security minister Mohamed Isak Osman announced that the federal government had assumed full security responsibility for Baidoa, urging local forces to avoid confrontation.

The federal government had deployed 600-800 soldiers as reinforcements over the weekend, supported by hundreds of militiamen. After seizing control, Mogadishu pledged to safeguard stability and prevent persecution or retaliation. Laftagareen, whose whereabouts are unknown, reportedly resigned via Facebook after the clashes.

This crisis highlights tensions between federal authority and regional autonomy, sparked by disputed term extensions and electoral reforms. With Somalia's government historically fragile, the swift military resolution raises questions about constitutional dispute mechanisms.

As Nigeria navigates its own federal-state dynamics and electoral reforms, what lessons from Somalia's experience underscore the importance of consensus-building to prevent similar conflicts?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/30/somali-troops-seize-key-city-renegade-leader-quits/