Forces loyal to former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen have continued to receive military reinforcements in recent weeks. Laftagareen's faction says hundreds of soldiers have joined its forces during October and November, including personnel previously serving in the Somali National Army in other parts of the country. This development comes as Somalia's federal government expands its troop presence in Baidoa and Barawe.
On Saturday, officials aligned with the former regional president welcomed a new group of soldiers reportedly arriving from Hiiraan, Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions. Hassan Abdulkadir, a security official aligned with Laftagareen, said the troops were originally from Southwest State and had responded to a call by the former president for soldiers serving in the national army to return to their home region.
The recruitment drive comes after Laftagareen-aligned fighters captured several strategic towns in the Bay region in October, including Buurhakaba, Qansahdheere, Berdaale, Diinsoor and Awdiinle. Buurhakaba, located along the main road connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa, fell to Laftagareen's forces on Oct. 15 following heavy fighting with federal troops and forces supporting the current Southwest State administration.
The territorial advances have increased pressure on the federal government-backed administration led by Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, which retains control of Baidoa and other government-held areas. Meanwhile, the federal government has deployed additional military personnel and equipment to Baidoa and Barawe as it seeks to reinforce security positions and maintain control of strategic locations.
On Saturday, Madobe visited Somali National Army units responsible for securing Barawe, the official capital of Southwest State, where he urged soldiers to maintain discipline and protect civilians. During the visit, Madobe emphasized the importance of safeguarding public and private property, respecting residents and strengthening cooperation between security personnel and local communities.
Federal forces have reinforced their presence in Barawe in recent weeks amid security concerns linked to both the political confrontation in Southwest State and the withdrawal of some African Union troops from Somalia. The growing military deployments reflect the continuing power struggle between Laftagareen and the administration backed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Laftagareen was removed from power in March following a confrontation with federal authorities over constitutional amendments and the regional electoral process. He has since sought to regain control of Southwest State, with his forces repeatedly clashing with federal and regional troops around Baidoa, and has called for the withdrawal of federal troops from Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle.
Key points
- Laftagareen's faction says hundreds of soldiers have joined its forces during October and November.
- The federal government has deployed additional military personnel and equipment to Baidoa and Barawe.
- The growing military deployments reflect the continuing power struggle between Laftagareen and the administration backed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
