South West State of Somalia is facing an escalating political dispute between rival factions competing for control of the regional administration, with separate political and security-related developments reported overnight in Baidoa and Diinsoor.
In Baidoa, Adan Mohamed Nur, commonly known as Adan Madobe, held a meeting with his Council of Ministers to discuss the political and security situation across South West State.
Reports from the meeting indicated that instructions were issued to prepare military operations aimed at recapturing areas the administration seeks to bring back under its control.
Meanwhile, in Diinsoor, a separate gathering was held in support of former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
The event was attended by local district officials, security officers and members of the community, highlighting the continued political backing he retains in parts of the region.
The contrasting events reflect the growing rivalry between Madobe and Laftagareen, with both sides seeking to consolidate their influence across South West State.
Madobe is working to strengthen the administration operating from Baidoa, while Laftagareen continues to enjoy support among sections of the political establishment and maintains links with armed forces in parts of Bay region.
The dispute stems from the changes in South West State’s leadership and disagreements over the process through which the new administration was established.
The developments have deepened political divisions and intensified competition for authority over territory and regional institutions.
Although the federal system formally recognises South West State as a single federal member state, the emergence of rival political centres and competing claims to leadership has raised questions about whether the region is effectively operating under two competing administrations.
The continuation of the dispute could have serious implications for security and stability, particularly if either side attempts to settle the political disagreement through military force.
Residents have expressed concern about the possibility of renewed fighting and the potential consequences for civilians, including displacement and disruption to daily life.
South West State therefore remains caught between a political contest and growing security uncertainty.
The central challenge is finding a political settlement that addresses the competing claims of Madobe and Laftagareen and prevents the dispute from escalating into a wider armed confrontation.