The security situation in Baidoa and surrounding areas has continued to deteriorate in recent days as rival factions competing for control of South West State intensify military mobilization, raising fears of renewed fighting in the regional capital.
Reports from Baidoa indicate that the Federal Government of Somalia is reinforcing its forces in the city in an effort to strengthen security and prevent further attacks by troops loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen).
The move comes amid growing concerns that the fragile calm following recent clashes could collapse.
Military movements have also been reported in areas surrounding Baidoa. Sources say large numbers of fighters aligned with Laftagareen have been deployed near frontlines around the city, while other reports suggest additional forces have arrived from neighboring regions, including areas linked to Jubbaland.
These claims have not been independently verified.
The latest developments follow heavy fighting that erupted in Baidoa on August 17, when federal forces and fighters loyal to Laftagareen engaged in intense clashes.
The Federal Ministry of Defence said government troops repelled an attack on the city, while Laftagareen’s supporters claimed their forces carried out operations inside Baidoa.
Both sides issued conflicting accounts regarding casualties and responsibility for the fighting.
Laftagareen’s camp has signaled that it intends to continue its military campaign.
In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the faction said their struggle would continue until they “liberate Afbalaar and Salbalaarr” and restore what they described as the authority and legitimacy of the South West administration.
The growing military buildup has heightened fears among residents that another round of violence could erupt.
Local sources report that some families have begun leaving the city or making preparations to relocate, fearing renewed clashes that could trigger displacement, disrupt businesses, and affect essential services.
Reports have also circulated claiming that Speaker of the House of the People Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe) and Minister Hassan Eelay moved some of their family members out of Baidoa amid rising security concerns, although there has been no official confirmation.
The crisis is rooted not only in security tensions but also in a prolonged political dispute between the Federal Government and forces loyal to Laftagareen over the future leadership and administration of South West State.
As both sides continue military preparations, residents are increasingly calling for dialogue and a political settlement to prevent Baidoa from sliding into another destructive conflict.
With federal forces seeking to consolidate control of the city and Laftagareen’s supporters maintaining pressure on the outskirts, observers warn that continued troop deployments and military escalation could significantly increase the risk of another major confrontation in Baidoa and its surrounding areas.