Baydhabo Archives - Kaab TV

Clashes Resume in Baidoa as Tensions Escalate Between Southwest State and Federal Government of Somalia

Kaab TV News Editor — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:45:59 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Fighting resumed today in Baidoa following clashes that took place last night, the previous day, and the night before inside the city. The fighting is between forces of Southwest State of Somalia and clan militias reportedly backed by the Federal Government of Somalia, along with federal troops.

Reports indicate the clashes erupted after Southwest State forces launched an attack on positions held by opposition fighters in the Habar-Dooy area. Heavy weapons fire has been intermittently heard from that area.

The previous night, fighting occurred in the Abu Casharow neighborhood on the outskirts of Baidoa, as well as at the livestock market—both densely populated civilian areas.

Local sources told Kaab TV that at least two young girls were killed during Thursday night’s fighting after their home was struck by an RPG (bazooka) used by the warring sides.

Three medical facilities reported receiving up to four civilian casualties who were wounded and taken to hospitals across the city.

The spokesperson for the Southwest State presidency, Ugaas Hassan Abdi, accused the Federal Government of launching a campaign aimed at destabilizing the regional administration.

“The Federal Government is carrying out a blatant offensive aimed at destroying Southwest State and dividing its people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, speaking on Friday at a mosque near Villa Somalia, accused President Abdiaziz Laftagareen of defying the federal government.

He also stated that Laftagareen is unilaterally preparing for elections in Southwest State.

“That will not be accepted—we say stop,” Madobe said, amid reports that he himself is a potential candidate for the Southwest State presidency.

Residents in Baidoa told Kaab TV that the ongoing fighting has severely affected civilian life, which was already strained by drought and rising inflation, now compounded by renewed conflict.

Many residents began fleeing from the city.

Situation in Baraawe

Forces from the Southwest State presidential guard who fled Baraawe have arrived in Kismayo on Saturday.

Jubaland police officials confirmed that 123 members of the Southwest State presidential guard stationed in Baraawe safely reached Kismayo.

Baraawe, the official administrative capital of Southwest State, was taken yesterday by forces linked to the federal government, reportedly organized along clan lines. These forces were deployed from Mogadishu and arrived in Baraawe by boat.

President Laftagareen this week severed ties with the Federal Government, accusing it of interference, aggression against his administration, and violations of the federal constitution.

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Federal Lawmakers Accuse the Federal Government Over the Baydhabo Clashes

Staff Reporter — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:28:36 +0000

Baydhabo (Kaab TV) — Members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia have openly accused the Federal Government of Somalia of bearing responsibility for the intense fighting that took place over the past two days in Baydhabo, the capital of the Bay region.

The lawmakers said the violence stemmed from actions taken by the federal government, stressing that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) bears full responsibility for all losses resulting from the clashes.

Senator Adan Abdinasir stated that they possess information indicating the federal government had prior knowledge of what occurred in Baydhabo. He alleged that government forces were being mobilized at the residence of the Minister of Livestock of the Federal Government, Hassan Eelay, an area where much of the fighting reportedly took place.

The senator added that over the past two months they had been advising those forces and urging them to refrain from involvement in any actions that could lead to instability.

Other lawmakers who spoke highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Southwest State, emphasizing that it is crucial to provide urgent assistance to civilians rather than ignite new conflicts. They also claimed that certain members of the federal government were behind the events in Baydhabo and strongly condemned those actions.

The MPs extended their condolences to the families of those killed in the fighting and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Meanwhile, these lawmakers, who represent constituencies in Southwest State, reaffirmed their support for the President of Southwest State, Abdiaziz Laftagareen, and the Southwest administration, noting that they are politically aligned with its leadership.

Heavy fighting has taken place in Baydhabo over the past two days. The Southwest State administration has stated that armed groups it described as destabilizing militias were ultimately expelled from the city.

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South West State Executes Soldier Who Killed Civilian Over Two Dollars

Staff Reporter — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:58:27 +0000

BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – The South West State of Somalia administration today carried out a firing squad execution of a soldier from its Special Police Force who had recently killed a civilian over a sum of two US dollars.

The executed soldier killed a displaced civilian who was driving his vehicle after attempting to extort two dollars from him.

The killing took place in the Berdale district of Bay Region at the end of November 2025, following a financial dispute between the accused and the deceased.

The execution was carried out in an open area on the outskirts of Baydhabo, the capital of Bay Region. The soldier who was executed was identified as Cabdisamad Xasan Madnuur.

The 60th Division of the Armed Forces Court sentenced the soldier to death by firing squad as retribution (qisas) for the killing of Cabdiwahaab Cabdiraxmaan Yuusuf.

Present at the execution site were officials from the South West State administration, military officers, and the families of both the victim and the executed soldier.

The South West State Minister of Security, Xasan Cabduqaadir, stated at the scene that the verdict sends a clear message to the security forces, urging them to use their weapons to fight the enemy and not to abuse civilians whom they have sworn to protect.

Meanwhile, the 60th Division of the Armed Forces Court also sentenced Salaad Ibraahim Xuseen (Salaad Yare) to two years in military prison after finding him guilty of involvement in banditry-related acts that resulted in the killing and injury of civilians along the road connecting the Bay and Gedo regions.

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Baidoa’s Disabled Community Hopes for Change After New Disability Act

Kaab TV News Editor — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:46:40 +0000

BAIDOA, Somalia (Baraarug) — In a landmark step toward inclusive governance and social justice, Southwest State of Somalia officially enacted its first Disability Rights Act on February 4, 2025.

The new law, signed by President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), follows months of consultation with civil society organizations, particularly those advocating for the rights of people living with disabilities.

“This marks the beginning of a long journey toward realizing full human rights for people with disabilities,” said Shamso Mohamed Yarrow, the regional Minister of Women and Human Rights.

Speaking to Baraarug, she emphasized the broader historical context: “For over three decades, Somalia has suffered conflict and instability, during which the rights of many—including persons with disabilities—were neither protected nor prioritized.”

Luul Ali Ahmed, director of the Baidoa-based Women Health and Relief Organization, welcomed the law as a long-overdue breakthrough.

“We have advocated for this for years. People with disabilities have unique needs, yet there was no legal framework to recognize or respond to them. Their rights were routinely violated.”

According to the Somalia National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS), around 8.3% of the population lives with some form of disability.

The rate is higher in rural areas (9.1%) and among women and children—groups often subjected to what experts call “double discrimination.”

Disabled women are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence and economic exclusion, while children with disabilities frequently miss out on education and social services.

The legislation comes as a beacon of hope, especially in Baidoa, where humanitarian crises have displaced hundreds of thousands.

The city and its surrounding areas are home to an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 internally displaced people (IDPs).

Among them are many individuals with physical and psychosocial disabilities who face severe barriers to mobility, healthcare, and protection.

Muhudin Nor Abdi, a spokesperson for persons with disabilities in Baidoa, called the new law a long-awaited milestone.

“This is a very good law. If it is implemented properly and reaches the grassroots level, people with disabilities will finally be able to live with dignity,” he said.

Muhudin noted that people with disabilities actively participated in the consultations that led to the bill’s development.

From inside one of Baidoa’s many displacement camps, Kaltumo Mohamed, a mother of five and head of the local women with disabilities committee, reflected on what the law could mean.

“We were like forgotten people—like we didn’t exist,” she said. “Now that the Disability Rights Act is passed, I hope it’s not just words on paper. We want real change in our lives.”

Salima Shueb, director of the local NGO Garab Walaal, stressed the importance of the law in improving both visibility and safety.

“This act is designed to combat discrimination and protect people with disabilities from harm,” she said. “It makes their existence and rights visible in society.”

Despite the passage of the law, challenges remain.

Disabled IDPs—especially women and girls—still face extreme risk of abuse, and camp infrastructure is largely inaccessible.

Experts warn that meaningful progress will require not just legislation, but strong political will, dedicated funding, and a cultural shift toward inclusion.

Still, for many, the Southwest State’s Disability Rights Act represents an unprecedented step forward—and a chance to turn long-standing neglect into national recognition.

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Baidoa’s Only Free All-Girls School Faces Funding Crisis | Baraarug

Kaab TV News Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 15:22:54 +0000

BAIDOA (Baraarug) – Abdalla Deerow School, the sole all-girls primary and secondary school in Baidoa offering free education to 1,578 students, is facing a critical shortage of support after non-governmental organizations (NGOs) reportedly withdrew their funding.

Baraarug team visited the school this week, where management expressed deep concern over unmet needs, particularly for essential sanitation and hygiene kits for the students.

Despite these significant challenges, the spirit of education remains strong among the girls. Three secondary school students shared their inspiring journeys from primary to high school, emphasizing their determination.

“Staying at home is not an option for girls,” they told Baraarug, highlighting their commitment to education despite the obstacles.

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Al-Shabaab Fighters Who Fought in Bay Region.

Staff Reporter — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:15:48 +0000

Baidhabo (KAAB TV) – Fighters belonging to the Al-Shabaab group fought in the Eeldhun-Adeegow area, which is about 42 km northwest of the city of Baidhabo, as broadcast by the South West Administration TV of Somalia.

The TV said that reliable sources have confirmed that the war was based on a dispute over Al-Shabaab’s finances from the people.

The battle resulted in the death of forty Al Shabaab fighters, while others were injured.

The South West Administration TV also said that the members who died there were among them princes who had a reputation in Eldhun-Adeegow area of Bay Region.

The people of Celdhun-Adeegow area have been facing pressure from the Al-Shabaab group for a long time, who used to force them to pay money.

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Youths Who Were Spreading Bad Behavior on Social Media Were Arrested in Bay State.

Staff Reporter — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 09:20:28 +0000

Baydhabo (KAAB TV) – The security forces of the South West state said that they are working to prevent people who spread unethical acts in the social media, especially those who live in the areas of the South West administration.

The commander of the CID of Bay Dhame, Mohamed Yusuf Abdirahman, who spoke to the media in Baidoa city, said that they are investigating and arresting those who spread immoral acts on social media.

He also added to his speech that the Commander is now in the hands of people who have been arrested for acts related to immorality, which he said will be brought to court.

“I am calling on the public to cooperate with the security agencies and report to us anyone who is spreading bad behavior in the social media, we need to be careful,” said Dhame Mohammed Yusuf in an interview with South West Somalia TV.

In the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of people doing immoral acts in the country, such as those spreading it on social media, some of whom have been arrested by the Somali government.

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