MOGADISHU, Somalia, October 13, 2026 — The Southwest State administration aligned with Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” has accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and six other individuals of responsibility for military operations and alleged abuses in Baidoa, urging international partners to intervene and demand the withdrawal of federal troops.

In a statement dated October 13, the administration alleged that forces operating under Mohamud’s authority committed unlawful killings, rape, torture and arbitrary detention. It also accused federal forces of forcibly displacing civilians and destroying buildings and property in the southwestern city.

The statement follows the federal government’s decision to impose targeted financial sanctions on Laftagareen and nine others over suspected Al-Shabaab links and alleged involvement in terrorism financing. The two documents reflect competing accusations between federal authorities and Laftagareen’s political and military camp.

The allegations in the Southwest statement have not been independently verified. The document presents the administration’s account of the conflict and its demands for international action; it does not establish criminal responsibility or announce financial sanctions against those it names.

Allegations of civilian abuses

The administration accused Mohamud of using national forces to remove Southwest State’s leadership and install an administration loyal to him. It described federal military operations as an attempt to impose political control through force rather than resolve disagreements through dialogue.

According to the statement, forces acting under the president’s authority have carried out abuses against Baidoa’s population, including killings, sexual violence, torture and detention outside lawful procedures.

The document also alleged that residents of a major camp for internally displaced people were forced from their homes and that buildings and other property were destroyed. It did not identify the camp by name or provide a detailed breakdown of those affected.

Baidoa’s displaced population makes civilian protection a central concern in the conflict. Reuters reported during fighting in August that the city housed hundreds of thousands of people displaced by conflict and hunger elsewhere in Somalia.

The October 13 statement did not provide casualty totals, identify individual victims or include supporting medical records, witness testimony or investigative findings. Its allegations therefore remain claims requiring independent examination.

Claims involving Turkish aircraft

The administration further alleged that Turkish F-16 fighter jets were used in attacks on Baidoa and neighbouring villages. It said the alleged strikes killed civilians and livestock and destroyed buildings.

The statement characterised the alleged foreign military involvement as a threat to residents and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. However, the supplied document does not include independently verifiable evidence identifying the aircraft, their operators or the command arrangements behind the alleged attacks.

The aircraft identification and claims of civilian casualties have not been independently confirmed. The statement’s allegation should not be read as proof that Turkish F-16 aircraft conducted the reported operations.

The document links the alleged air attacks to its broader accusation that Mohamud is using military power to weaken Southwest State’s institutions and communities.

Seven individuals named

The administration named seven people whom it accused of responsibility for the military campaign and alleged abuses:

The statement does not detail each individual’s alleged role in specific incidents. Nor does it provide separate evidence establishing how each person was involved in the abuses described.

Their inclusion represents an accusation by the Laftagareen-aligned administration, rather than a judicial finding. Unlike the federal sanctions notice, the statement contains no instructions to freeze their assets, prohibit transactions or report their financial activity.

Dispute over political authority

Beyond the allegations of abuses, the administration challenged Mohamud’s legitimacy, arguing that his presidential mandate expired on May 15, 2026. It urged international partners to stop treating him as a legitimate president.

That position is the administration’s political and legal assertion. The statement itself does not establish a binding determination of the president’s constitutional status.

The administration also accused Mohamud of seeking to divide Southwest State by separating Lower Shabelle from the regional administration. It portrayed the alleged plan as part of a wider effort to weaken the state and expand federal control.

The confrontation has already involved changes in territorial control and renewed fighting. Reuters reported that federal forces took control of Baidoa on March 30, after which Laftagareen announced his resignation. His administration had previously severed ties with the federal government and opposed federal constitutional amendments.

Calls for international intervention

The administration appealed to the African Union, United Nations and Somalia’s international partners to act urgently to stop military operations against Southwest communities.

It asked them to press for the withdrawal of federal troops from Baidoa, the release of people allegedly detained unlawfully, humanitarian assistance for affected residents and accountability for those responsible for abuses.

The statement also urged Somalis to reject incitement, protect civilians and prevent political and clan disputes from fuelling further violence.

Despite its appeal for international intervention, the administration vowed to continue defending Southwest State’s population and institutions. It described resistance to the federal military campaign and any forcibly established administration as a constitutional right.