BAIDOA, Somalia — May 25, 2026 — Members of Somalia’s Haramcad security forces reportedly staged a protest in Baidoa over unpaid salaries spanning nearly two years, blocking a key junction in the city and disrupting movement and commercial activity, according to local sources.

According to multiple local sources, the protesting members of the Haramcad forces closed the Afar-Irdoodka junction, one of Baidoa’s busiest traffic and business hubs, bringing transport and commercial activity to a halt.

Residents said the blockade quickly spread disruption across surrounding streets, with vehicles unable to pass and businesses forced to close temporarily.

Witnesses reported that tensions escalated during the protest, with sporadic gunfire heard in parts of the area. The source of the gunfire and any possible consequences remain unclear, and no official casualty figures have been confirmed.

Local residents said panic spread among civilians and shop owners as the situation unfolded in the area.

Casualties and Humanitarian Impact

There are no confirmed casualty figures at this time. However, according to local residents, the unrest caused fear among civilians, with many avoiding the affected area due to reports of gunfire and road closures.

Transport disruptions affected both public movement and commercial activity, particularly around Afar-Irdoodka junction, which is a key economic corridor in Baidoa.

Reports of Looting

Local reports also indicate that a khat trading site known as Xero Jaad, located near the junction, was looted during the unrest. According to witnesses, the circumstances remain unclear, and it is not confirmed who was responsible.

Authorities have not yet commented on the reported looting.

Government Response

So far, local and regional authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the protest or the security situation in Baidoa.

Security officials have also remained silent on reports of gunfire and alleged looting.

Background to the Conflict

The protesting officers are reported to be members of the Haramcad security forces, who are said to be expressing frustration over long-standing salary delays.

According to local sources, the unpaid wages reportedly span nearly two years, raising concerns about financial management and administrative challenges affecting security personnel.

Haramcad forces have previously been deployed in various security operations across Somalia, including in high-risk areas. Delays in salary payments have been a recurring concern raised by members of several security units, according to security analysts.

Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, has experienced periodic security and political tensions in recent years, often linked to governance, security coordination, and resource distribution.

The situation in Baidoa remains tense, with residents advising caution and avoiding the Afar-Irdoodka area as developments continue.

Authorities are expected to issue statements regarding the protest and security situation, though no official timeline has been provided.

Security forces may also move to reopen the junction and restore normal traffic flow if negotiations or interventions are carried out.

The reported protest highlights ongoing concerns about salary delays within Somalia’s security institutions, a challenge that can directly affect morale and operational stability.

Disruptions involving armed forces in urban centers such as Baidoa raise broader concerns about public safety and the resilience of local security arrangements.

If unresolved, financial grievances among security personnel could affect trust between forces and government institutions, potentially impacting future operations.

For civilians and businesses in Baidoa, repeated disruptions in key commercial areas like Afar-Irdoodka junction underline the economic vulnerability of urban centers during periods of insecurity.