The political and security tension in Somalia’s South West State is escalating further, following reports that forces loyal to the administration’s former president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen,’ have taken control of Bardaale district in the Bay region, located approximately 60 kilometers from the city of Baidoa.
Local reports indicate that armed troops loyal to Laftagareen entered the town from multiple directions, causing forces previously stationed in the district to withdraw without engaging in significant fighting.
This incident comes as the rivalry intensifies between Laftagareen and the new South West leadership, which is supported by the Federal Government of Somalia.
According to local accounts, forces previously stationed in Bardaale were forced to evacuate the town when a large contingent of troops loyal to Laftagareen entered.
Reports suggest the withdrawal occurred without heavy fighting taking place inside the town.
The district commissioner of Bardaale was reported to have sought refuge inside the base of Ethiopian forces located within the district, where Ethiopian troops have been stationed in recent years.
The presence of Ethiopian forces in Bardaale adds another security dimension to the situation, given their longstanding participation in security operations across parts of southern Somalia.
Residents of Bardaale are facing heightened anxiety regarding the security situation and the future administration of the district.
The local population predominantly belongs to the Leysaan clan, one of the major clans inhabiting the Bay and Bakool regions.
Local reports indicate that officials in Bardaale were contacted several days ago and warned that forces loyal to Laftagareen could launch an attack.
Forces loyal to Laftagareen took control of Buurhakaba district yesterday following heavy fighting with federal government troops and those supporting the current administration.
Furthermore, Laftagareen’s forces seized Qansaxdheere district on October 8, with a portion of the troops stationed there withdrawing or advancing toward the Ethiopian military base.
There is growing concern that forces loyal to Laftagareen may attempt to take control of additional areas within the Bay and Bakool regions.
The current tension in South West State is linked to the leadership change in the administration and ongoing disputes over elections and political authority in the region.
Laftagareen, who previously served as president of the South West administration, lost power following political disputes that intensified this year.
The federal government backed the leadership change, while Laftagareen and his supporters continued their political rivalry and military movements.
The current crisis highlights how a dispute over regional leadership can transform into a security situation affecting multiple districts.
Baidoa serves as the administrative seat of South West State and is a key hub for politics, trade, and transport across the Bay region.
If forces loyal to Laftagareen expand their control over areas surrounding Baidoa, political and security pressure on the current administration is likely to increase.
However, capturing other districts does not automatically mean that Baidoa itself will fall under the control of those forces.
That outcome will depend on the military strength of both sides, political decisions, external support, and security conditions along the transit routes connecting the districts.
The Federal Government of Somalia is also facing questions regarding how it will respond to security developments in the region, particularly if they impact national forces and its relationship with the South West administration.