BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – The President of Southwest State, Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, arrived in Baidoa this afternoon despite an air blockade imposed by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
Earlier today, all passenger flights from Mogadishu to Baidoa were suspended.
Reports indicate that the FGS attempted to prevent President Laftagareen’s return to Baidoa.
The president had spent the past week in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah. However, sources in Baidoa told Kaab TV that he entered through a border town along the Somalia–Ethiopia border.
Even in Baidoa, his return was not pre-announced.
Southwest State is currently experiencing heightened political and security tensions, largely driven by an upcoming election expected to take place in the region.
The Federal Government has not yet officially commented on the tensions. However, sources in Mogadishu say the government opposes President Laftagareen holding a unilateral election in Southwest State.
In recent months, a deepening rift has emerged between the federal government in Mogadishu and the Southwest State administration based in Baidoa.
The dispute centers on plans for contested elections, with Southwest State seeking to organize its own independent vote.
Southwest State now becomes the third federal member state to sever ties with the Federal Government of Somalia.
The Federal Government of Somalia has yet to comment on the new developments in Baydhabo.
Previously, Puntland and Jubaland also cut relations with Mogadishu over disputes related to constitutional amendments and controversial elections, which they accused the federal government of using to extend its term.
Deadly violence erupted in Baidoa in early February this year after militia groups—reportedly backed by politicians linked to the federal government—clashed with Southwest State security forces.
The tensions have also led to the takeover of the towns of Buurhakaba and Qansax Dheere by militia groups opposed to the Southwest State administration.