The security and political situation in Baidoa is reportedly deteriorating again, with South West leader Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe said to have asked the Federal Government to deploy additional troops to the city to strengthen security.
According to political and security sources, Adan Madobe has expressed concern over the security situation in Baidoa and the ability of existing forces to protect the city, particularly following recent heavy clashes between rival forces.
The fighting caused significant casualties, with reports indicating that large numbers of wounded personnel were taken to hospitals in both Baidoa and Mogadishu.
There has been no official response from Villa Somalia regarding the reported request for additional troops. At the same time, reports indicate that federal forces previously expected to deploy to Buurhakaba following the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops have not yet arrived.
The security situation is further complicated by the presence and movements of forces associated with former South West leader Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Federal and local forces played a role in the operations that secured Baidoa, while forces loyal to Laftagareen are still believed to retain influence in the wider security landscape.
Another major concern is the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from parts of South West State, particularly Buurhakaba. Their departure has raised questions over who will fill the security vacuum left behind.
Some reports indicate that South West security forces previously withdrawn from Baidoa have been redeployed to Buurhakaba, highlighting the strategic importance of the district to the region’s security arrangements.
Buurhakaba is particularly important because of its proximity to Baidoa and its position along routes connecting major areas of South West State. Any security deterioration there could place additional pressure on Baidoa.
If the Federal Government approves Adan Madobe’s reported request and sends additional troops to Baidoa, the move could strengthen his administration’s security position.
However, it could also trigger a political backlash from forces aligned with Laftagareen, potentially deepening the existing confrontation.
On the other hand, failing to reinforce the city could leave Adan Madobe facing greater security pressure, particularly if rival forces attempt to launch further attacks or exploit gaps in the city’s defenses.
The dispute is ultimately part of a wider political struggle over the leadership and future direction of South West State.
The Federal Government has backed Adan Madobe’s leadership, while former South West leader Laftagareen and his supporters have strongly opposed the political changes taking place in the state.
With Baidoa already having experienced serious fighting, the decision over whether to deploy additional federal forces could become a major test of Mogadishu’s approach to security in South West State—and could either help stabilize the city or further intensify the political and military confrontation.