Sunday May 31, 2026
Baidoa (HOL) — Commanders of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division held an emergency security meeting in Baidoa on Saturday after heavy fighting between federal government forces and troops loyal to former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
The meeting focused on strengthening security in the city, improving coordination among security agencies and preventing further attacks after the morning clashes.
Officials at the meeting praised what they described as the vigilance and quick response of security forces, saying the attack was thwarted before the armed group could achieve its objectives.
Participants also stressed the need for closer cooperation between security institutions and local communities to protect civilians and maintain stability.
The emergency meeting came on the same day that newly elected members of Southwest State’s House of Representatives were sworn in in Baidoa. The ceremony went ahead despite the fighting, underscoring the tense political and security environment surrounding the federal-backed transition process.
Laftagareen continues to claim that he is the legitimate president of Southwest State and has said his forces will work to restore control over the region.
The confrontation highlights the deepening crisis in Southwest State, where disputes over leadership, elections and federal influence have escalated into armed conflict.
Baidoa, the interim capital of Southwest State, remains one of southern Somalia’s most important political and military centers. The swearing-in of the new parliament marked a major step in the region’s political process, but the clashes showed the continuing challenge of consolidating authority and preventing further instability.
