BAIDOA — An uneasy calm has settled over Baidoa today after the Federal Government of Somalia assumed full administrative and security control of the city yesterday. The swift takeover follows a decisive military operation within the interim capital of South West State.
A Rapid Political Shift
Federal Government forces, heavily supported by allied local militias known as the “South West Salvation,” formally seized control of Baidoa through overwhelming military force. This strategic maneuver has triggered a rapid and complete shift in the political landscape of the regional administration.
Following his official resignation and negotiated exit from the regional presidency, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) has departed the country after seven years in power. In one of his final acts before boarding a flight to Kenya, Laftagareen appointed the South West Minister of Finance, Ahmed Mohamed Hussein, to serve as the Acting President during this volatile transition.
Prioritizing Security and Governance
Ground reports from Baidoa indicate that federal security officials are currently prioritizing intense efforts to bolster public safety. In a high-level coordination meeting held today between federal military commanders, intelligence officers, and the remaining regional administration, the strategic focus centered on:
- Strengthening overall urban security and stabilizing strategic checkpoints.
- Accelerating critical cooperation between the general public and federal security forces.
- Taking firm, immediate action against any armed elements attempting to create chaos or instability within Baidoa or the wider South West regions.
Managing the Political Transition
To reinforce this new security architecture, the Federal Government has actively deployed additional, heavily armed troops to the city to strictly ensure public order during this period of significant political upheaval. This follows Mogadishu’s earlier declarations of victory and the successful reopening of crucial supply routes into the city.
Furthermore, specialized elements of the “Red Berets”—the elite federal unit tasked with guarding top state officials—have arrived in Baidoa to prepare secure perimeters for the imminent arrival of a high-level federal delegation.
That delegation, officially led by the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nuur (Madobe), is expected to arrive shortly to directly participate in critical meetings regarding the political future and leadership of South West State. Numerous other federal lawmakers and officials representing South West constituencies are currently en route to the city to deliberate on the complex administrative transition ahead.
