BAIDOA, Somalia — May 23, 2026 —Forces aligned with Southwest State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Lafta Gareen” have vowed to retake the regional capital of Baidoa in the coming days, as tensions continue to rise in the city amid an ongoing political and security standoff involving federal government-backed forces.
A spokesperson representing the group made the remarks while addressing armed fighters positioned on the outskirts of Baidoa, urging them to maintain discipline and avoid harming civilians if they enter the city.
The latest statements underscore growing instability in Baidoa, a strategic political and administrative center in southwestern Somalia that has experienced repeated disputes linked to regional governance and relations between federal and regional authorities.
Speaking to fighters, the spokesperson said forces loyal to Lafta Gareen were preparing to regain control of the city and accused troops deployed from Mogadishu of occupying the area.
“We are defending our territories and we will defeat the invading soldiers from Mogadishu soon,” the spokesperson said. “Whatever they call us, we are fighting to liberate our land.”
The spokesperson also rejected suggestions that the conflict was intended to deepen divisions within the region, insisting that the group’s objective was to restore control of the regional administration.
“We are not at war with one another. We are ready to bring our administration back into our own hands,” he added.
The comments come as security tensions have intensified in and around Baidoa in recent days. Local residents have reported increased military activity and security incidents, particularly during nighttime operations.
According to the spokesperson, forces loyal to Lafta Gareen have carried out attacks against positions held by troops deployed from Mogadishu. Those claims could not be independently verified.
The spokesperson described the federal-aligned forces as “invaders” and claimed they would soon be removed from the city.
Government Response
The Somali federal government has not publicly responded to the latest statements at the time of publication.
Federal authorities have previously emphasized their commitment to maintaining security and constitutional order across Somalia, including in regions experiencing political disputes. However, officials have not issued immediate comments regarding the latest claims made by the Lafta Gareen-aligned group.
Security agencies also have not released information regarding the reported attacks or the current military situation around Baidoa.
Security Situation in Baidoa
Baidoa remains one of Somalia’s most important regional cities and serves as the administrative capital of Southwest State.
According to local residents, security concerns have increased in recent weeks amid reports of troop movements and growing political tensions. Residents have expressed concerns that any escalation could disrupt daily life and affect businesses, transportation, and public services.
No verified casualty figures were immediately available, and independent confirmation of battlefield claims remained limited.
Observers say the situation remains fluid, with security conditions subject to rapid change depending on developments on the ground.
Background to the Conflict
Baidoa has long been a focal point of political competition within Southwest State and between regional and federal actors.
Disputes over political representation, governance, electoral processes, and security arrangements have periodically contributed to tensions in the region. Over the years, disagreements between federal authorities and regional leaders have occasionally led to political stand-offs and security deployments.
Southwest State occupies a strategically important position in Somalia and plays a significant role in national politics. As a result, developments in Baidoa often attract attention from political stakeholders across the country.
Analysts note that tensions involving regional administrations and the federal government have remained a recurring challenge in Somalia’s broader state-building process.
It remains unclear whether the group will attempt to advance into Baidoa in the coming days as claimed by its spokesperson.
Security analysts say the immediate priority for all parties will be preventing violence in populated areas and avoiding actions that could endanger civilians.
Local community leaders and residents have repeatedly called for dialogue and restraint as concerns grow about the potential impact of any confrontation on the city’s population.
Authorities are expected to closely monitor developments while political and security stakeholders assess possible responses to the latest statements.
The latest threats to retake Baidoa highlight continuing tensions between regional political actors and federal institutions in Somalia. Any escalation could affect security conditions in one of the country’s most important regional capitals.
Baidoa serves as a key administrative, economic, and political hub in Southwest State. Prolonged instability could disrupt governance, public services, and commercial activity, affecting thousands of residents.
The situation also reflects broader challenges facing Somalia’s federal system, where disputes over authority, security responsibilities, and political representation periodically create friction between different levels of government.
