BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) — Security officers from Southwest State of Somalia announced today that they oppose what they described as a Federal Government offensive on Baidoa last month.
Two officers from the Southwest regional forces, said to be close to President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, stated that they reject the takeover of Baidoa by troops they claim were transported by aircraft.
They also voiced opposition to the planned, disputed elections expected to take place in Baidoa.
Da’uud Mohamed Abdirahman (Da’uud Jiroon), a spokesperson for the forces, said they had exercised patience for some time but that their calls for peace had not been understood.
“Baidoa is a place that has already witnessed conflict. We wanted to avoid adding further suffering to an already affected population,” Da’uud said.
“There is no district in Somalia that has invaded another, nor a region that has taken over another,” he added, describing the operation by federal forces, supported by allied clan militias, as a direct invasion.
He warned against holding elections in the city.
“No elections will take place like this. We will conduct the election ourselves, and it will be led by the local community,” he said.
The officers called for troops deployed from Mogadishu to be withdrawn and returned to their original bases.
The commander of the forces, Col. Isaaq Meedeey, also warned against incoming flights to Baidoa.
They declared Baidoa airport closed and cautioned civilian aircraft against landing in the city.
At the end of last month, Southwest State forces withdrew from Baidoa, while President Abdiaziz Laftagareen fled to Kenya.
Federal Government forces subsequently took control of the city, reportedly with support from Turkish drones and allied clan militias from Mogadishu and Buurhakaba.
The latest statements from these officers indicate that tensions in Southwest State remain unresolved, with reconciliation efforts among local communities yet to succeed.