Somalia’s Southwest state president resigns after federal troops take Baidoa
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Southwest State president, Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagaren, announced his resignation Monday after federal government forces took control of Baidoa, his seat of power about 246 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu, ending weeks of escalating tensions with the central government that culminated in military action. Early Monday, thousands of federal troops, backed by […]
Black News 
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Southwest State president, Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagaren, announced his resignation Monday after federal government forces took control of Baidoa, his seat of power about 246 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu, ending weeks of escalating tensions with the central government that culminated in military action.
Early Monday, thousands of federal troops, backed by allied clan militias, entered Baidoa. Clashes with regional forces broke out but were brief. The regional troops were quickly overwhelmed, with some retreating and others surrendering.
Videos circulating on social media showed federal forces, including Turkish-trained elite units equipped with armored personnel carriers, moving through the city’s main streets to cheers from residents.
For weeks, federal forces had been advancing along the road linking Mogadishu and Baidoa. They were supported by Turkish drones and attack helicopters to deter ambushes by Al-Shabaab militants, who control large portions of the route.
The military takeover came just days after Laftagaren held a controversial election in Baidoa, where he was declared the winner and secured a second term. The federal government rejected the vote as illegal and a sham.
While the federal government has secured a military victory, analysts warn that a more difficult challenge lies ahead: fostering meaningful reconciliation in a region deeply divided along clan lines. Those divisions have been exacerbated by repeated federal interventions and persistent disputes over regional authority.
Following talks with federal officials, Laftagaren flew to Nairobi after agreeing to step down in exchange for being allowed to travel abroad without restriction.
Attention is now turning to a crowded field of political figures from Southwest State, many aligned with the federal government and vying for leadership of the region. Among the leading contenders are Minister of Ports Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Minister of Livestock Hassan Elay, and Speaker of Parliament Adan Madobe.
Laftagaren’s removal also deals a blow to opposition forces challenging President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s push for unilateral constitutional amendments and a possible term extension. In recent months, Laftagaren had joined other opponents of federal policies including leaders in Jubaland and Puntland, as well as opposition leaders in Mogadishu.
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