BAIDOA, Somalia, September 15, 2026. A spokesman for forces aligned with former South West State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has called on allied Darawish forces to prepare for an offensive to retake Baidoa, as a leadership dispute between rival political and armed factions deepens in Somalia’s South West State.
Ugaas Hassan Abdi Mohamed made the remarks at a press conference outside Baidoa, where Laftagareen-aligned forces are reported to be positioned. He also accused Turkey of carrying out strikes against civilians near the city, an allegation that could not be independently verified.
Turkey, Somalia’s federal government and authorities in Baidoa had not publicly responded to his allegations or his call for military action by the time of publication.
Ugaas Hassan described Turkey as an “enemy” and alleged that Turkish aircraft had struck villages and suburbs around Baidoa, causing civilian deaths. He did not present publicly verifiable evidence for the claim.
He said Laftagareen-aligned forces remained secure despite what he described as continuing airstrikes and vowed that they would “liberate” Baidoa from forces linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkey.
“We are freedom fighters,” Hassan said in remarks delivered at the press conference. “We are here to govern our people.”
He called on Darawish forces aligned with Laftagareen to intensify preparations and be ready to launch an offensive toward Baidoa. There was no immediate indication that an assault had begun.
Hassan also alleged that President Hassan Sheikh’s administration planned to establish a Turkish military base in Baidoa. He said Laftagareen-aligned forces would not allow such a project to proceed.
Who Is Fighting Who in Baidoa?
The confrontation centres on two competing camps claiming political authority in South West State.
One side is aligned with Laftagareen, who previously served as president of South West State and whose supporters say he retains the legitimate mandate to lead the administration. His allies have maintained forces in areas outside Baidoa and have vowed to regain control of the city.
The opposing camp is based in Baidoa and is aligned with Sheikh Aden Madobe, the Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People. This faction has established an administration in the regional capital and is supported by officials who reject Laftagareen’s claim to leadership.
Both camps have accused the other of undermining security and political stability in South West State. Their dispute has moved beyond political statements, with armed forces deployed around Baidoa and rival officials issuing competing orders and appointments.
The federal government in Mogadishu is widely viewed by Laftagareen’s supporters as backing the Baidoa-based administration. The federal authorities have not publicly recognised the claims made by Laftagareen’s faction that it remains the legitimate government of South West State.
The Legitimacy Crisis
At the heart of the crisis is a disagreement over who has the legal and political authority to govern South West State.
Laftagareen’s camp argues that it holds the lawful mandate and represents the regional administration. Its leaders have rejected attempts to replace or marginalise them and have called on external actors, including the African Union mission, to remain neutral.
The Baidoa-based administration says it has authority to govern the regional capital and other areas under its control. Officials aligned with Aden Madobe have accused their opponents of destabilising the region and have sought support from federal institutions to reinforce their position.
Neither side’s claim has ended the dispute, leaving South West State with parallel political structures, rival armed groups and a contested regional capital.
Casualties and Civilian Concerns
The reported airstrikes and threats of an offensive have raised concern among civilians in and around Baidoa. Earlier reports of strikes in areas where Laftagareen-aligned forces are located have not produced independently verified casualty figures.
Residents in communities near military positions face the greatest risk if fighting escalates. Baidoa and surrounding areas are also home to people displaced by drought, conflict and insecurity, increasing the potential humanitarian impact of any new violence.
South West State has long faced security challenges from al-Shabaab, as well as political divisions over the leadership and structure of the regional administration.
The latest crisis intensified after Laftagareen’s removal from Baidoa and the formation of a rival leadership structure in the city. His camp relocated personnel and allied forces to areas outside the regional capital, while the Aden Madobe-aligned administration consolidated its control inside Baidoa.
Turkey is a major security partner of Somalia and provides training and support to Somali security institutions. Its alleged role in the South West State dispute has become a contentious issue among Laftagareen supporters, who have staged protests and accused Ankara of siding with their rivals. Turkey has not publicly confirmed the allegations.
The immediate question is whether the competing camps will pursue dialogue or whether armed movements around Baidoa will lead to renewed confrontation.
A military offensive toward the city would likely heighten the risk to civilians and deepen the division over South West State’s leadership. The response of the federal government, the Baidoa-based administration and Turkey may also shape whether the latest accusations develop into a wider political crisis.