South West State leader Sheikh Aadan Mohamed Nur Aadan Madoobe has reportedly spoken by telephone with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud amid rising political and security tensions in the regional capital, Baidoa.
Sources say the two discussed the security situation in and around Baidoa, including the presence of forces loyal to former South West State leader Abdiasis Laftagareen on the outskirts of the city.
The sources also claim that additional government troops are being mobilised in Mogadishu and could be deployed to Baidoa to reinforce existing forces and prevent further fighting from reaching populated areas.
The reports have not been officially confirmed by Somalia’s presidency or the military command.
The developments follow heavy clashes around Baidoa on 3 September between forces aligned with the Federal Government and Aadan Madoobe’s administration and fighters loyal to Laftagareen.
The Associated Press reported that 71 people were treated for injuries at Baidoa Regional Hospital, while one civilian was killed.
Somalia’s Defence Ministry said government forces had repelled an attack by forces supporting Laftagareen and alleged that Al-Shabaab was involved. That claim has not been independently verified.
Aadan Madoobe has previously called for dialogue to resolve the political dispute, but continued military movements around Baidoa suggest tensions remain high.
Aadan Madoobe was elected South West State leader in Baidoa on 10 June, receiving 88 votes. President Hassan Sheikh subsequently congratulated him and called for unity, peace and effective governance in the state.
