The Somali National Army has taken full control of Baidoa, the largest city in the country’s Southwest state, in a move that has led to the sudden resignation of regional president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

 

According to Al Jazeera, federal troops entered the strategic city on Monday and secured it without prolonged fighting, marking a major shift in the ongoing political standoff between the central government and regional authorities.

 

Baidoa, located about 245 kilometres northwest of Mogadishu, is a key administrative and humanitarian hub that hosts international peacekeepers and aid agencies operating in drought- and conflict-affected areas.

 

Laftagareen confirmed his resignation in a public statement, stepping down just days after being re-elected for another five-year term. The federal government had earlier rejected the election, declaring it unlawful, a development that intensified tensions between the two sides.

 

Following the takeover, the Southwest state’s finance minister, Ahmed Mohamed Hussein, was appointed acting president as part of a transitional arrangement. The federal government welcomed the change, calling for calm and unity during what it described as a sensitive political period.

 

Somalia’s Information Minister, Daud Aweis, said the takeover reflected the will of the people and assured that security forces would protect civilians and property. He warned that any acts of retaliation would not be tolerated during the transition, as reported by Reuters.

 

However, the situation on the ground remains tense. Local residents have fled the city in recent days, fearing clashes between federal troops and forces loyal to the former regional administration. Aid agencies have also temporarily suspended operations due to security concerns.

 

A local elder described Baidoa as unusually quiet following the military takeover, saying the city appeared deserted despite the absence of active fighting, Reuters reported.

 

The crisis highlights ongoing divisions within Somalia’s fragile federal system, where disputes over power-sharing and electoral processes frequently lead to instability. The Southwest administration had opposed constitutional changes proposed by the central government, further deepening the rift.

 

Political analysts warn that the developments could affect preparations for Somalia’s upcoming national elections. The country has long struggled to implement a direct voting system, with leaders instead elected through an indirect process involving members of parliament.

 

According to Al Jazeera, concerns remain among regional leaders and opposition groups that the electoral system could be manipulated, adding to widespread mistrust within the political landscape.

 

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring a peaceful transition in Baidoa, but uncertainty remains as Somalia navigates yet another political turning point.