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.

The post Laftagareen Arrives in Baidoa Despite Air Blockade as Tensions Escalate appeared first on Kaab TV.

The new unit, named the South West Special Police Force, is reportedly being trained in security operations, countering Al-Shabaab, and protecting key government facilities.

The training is taking place at a camp on the outskirts of Baydhabo in the South West State, as well as in locations in Ethiopia.

On Saturday, President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, who visited the new force today, announced that they will operate across all areas of the South West State.

“You will defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the flag of the South West State,” Laftagareen said.

He noted that Al-Shabaab continues to cause significant problems in the region and emphasized that the force is needed to clear them out.

The president also praised Ethiopia, calling them “brothers” for providing training to the new unit.

Officials from the South West State said that this new force will be part of broader efforts to strengthen security in the region, particularly in the Baay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle areas, where Al-Shabaab attacks continue to occur.

Ethiopia has long provided military support and training to both Somalia’s federal government and its regional administrations, and is among the countries whose troops operate in Somalia.

This development comes amid ongoing security changes and military movements in parts of southern Somalia.

Meanwhile, Egypt — which has tense relations with Ethiopia — recently announced that it will send troops and weapons to Somalia.

The post Ethiopia Trains New Special Police Force for South West Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.