MOGADISHU, Somalia — October 6, 2026 — South West State Security Minister Hassan Abdiqadir, who is aligned with Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, has accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of seeking to undermine the regional state and alleged that millions of dollars have been used to influence political and security developments.

Abdiqadir made the allegations in a strongly worded statement as tensions continue between the federal government and the political and armed forces aligned with Laftagareen in and around Baidoa, the capital of Bay region.

The minister alleged that President Hassan Sheikh spent $34 million to prevent fighting in Galmudug and Hirshabelle, while claiming that $40 million was allocated to undermine South West State.

“Hassan Sheikh spent $34 million to ensure that Galmudug and Hirshabelle remained safe and that no gunfire was heard there, while he spent $40 million to destroy South West State,” Abdiqadir said.

He did not provide publicly available evidence to support the financial figures or explain how the alleged funds were spent.

Drone allegations

Abdiqadir also made allegations concerning the presence and intended use of drones in Baidoa.

He claimed that 40 Turkish-made suicide drones had been brought into the city and were being held at 60th Division military centers. According to the minister, the drones were intended to target civilian locations, including mosques and other public places.

Abdiqadir further alleged that the attacks could then be attributed to South West authorities and portrayed as explosions carried out with the involvement or support of Al-Shabaab.

The minister said the South West administration had informants providing information about the alleged presence of the drones at the military centers.

He did not provide evidence publicly establishing the number, location or intended use of the drones. The allegations have not been independently verified.

The claims come amid repeated accusations by rival sides over attacks, military deployments and responsibility for violence in Baidoa.

Promise to continue operations

Despite the continuing political and security dispute, Abdiqadir said forces aligned with Laftagareen would continue their operations.

He said the forces had orders to continue fighting and described their objective as the eventual retaking of Baidoa from what he called “invading forces.”

“Call us whatever you want, use whatever names you wish for us—we will continue fighting as long as even one person remains alive. Our forces have full orders to continue their operations,” he said.

The statement reflects the continued position of Laftagareen’s camp that federal forces and their regional allies are operating in South West State without legitimate authority.

Federal authorities and the administration led by South West President Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe have maintained a different position on control of Baidoa and the regional government.

Appeal to South West residents

Abdiqadir also addressed residents of South West State whom he accused of being used in efforts against his political camp.

“To the people of South West who have been used, I say: let your senses return,” he said.

His remarks came as the political dispute over the leadership and administration of South West State continued to be accompanied by armed confrontations in Baidoa.

The conflict has involved federal forces, forces supporting the administration in Baidoa and fighters loyal to Laftagareen.

Continuing dispute over Baidoa

The latest allegations are part of a wider political and security crisis that has intensified throughout 2026.

Federal forces took control of Baidoa in March after relations between the federal government and Laftagareen deteriorated. Laftagareen subsequently left the city, while Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, also known as Adan Madobe, emerged as the head of the South West administration backed by the federal government.

The dispute later developed into repeated armed confrontations. On September 3, fighting broke out in and around Baidoa between government forces and fighters aligned with Laftagareen. The Associated Press reported that the fighting involved government forces and Laftagareen-aligned militias, while claims concerning Al-Shabaab’s involvement remained unverified.

Another major confrontation was reported on September 28, when Laftagareen-aligned forces moved against positions held by federal troops and forces supporting the South West administration. Residents reported gunfire and explosions across several parts of the city.

The repeated clashes have kept Baidoa at the center of the political confrontation between Mogadishu and Laftagareen’s camp.

Political and security tensions

The dispute is rooted in competing claims over political authority, regional leadership and the role of the federal government in South West State.

Laftagareen’s supporters continue to reject the political transition that followed his departure from Baidoa, while the federal government and the administration led by Adan Madobe maintain their authority in the city.

Previous statements from Laftagareen’s camp have also called for the continuation of operations to regain control of Baidoa. In September, a Laftagareen-aligned minister rejected claims of a ceasefire and said his side would continue what it described as efforts to “liberate” areas of South West State.

The confrontation has also included allegations involving Turkish military support and alleged drone or air operations. Previous claims by Laftagareen’s camp concerning Turkish aircraft and strikes around Baidoa have not been independently verified.

Why the latest statement matters

Abdiqadir’s latest remarks add to the increasingly direct accusations between the two sides and indicate that the political dispute remains closely linked to the security situation in Baidoa.

His allegations about the alleged $40 million allocation and the 40 drones represent serious claims against the federal government, but no supporting evidence was presented publicly in his statement.

His declaration that forces aligned with Laftagareen have orders to continue operations also signals that the military dimension of the dispute remains active despite previous calls and efforts for a political settlement.

For residents of Baidoa, the continuing confrontation has meant repeated periods of fighting and insecurity. The city has experienced several rounds of clashes between rival forces since the federal government took control earlier in the year.

Current situation

Abdiqadir’s statement indicates that Laftagareen’s camp remains opposed to the federal government’s role in South West State and continues to support military operations aimed at regaining control of Baidoa.

At the same time, the federal government-backed administration remains based in the city, while the political dispute over South West State’s leadership and authority continues.

The minister also rejected the prospect of meaningful state-building or reconciliation under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

“There is no statehood to be expected from Hassan Sheikh. The people of South West have learned their lesson,” Abdiqadir said.

The financial allegations, the claim involving 40 Turkish-made drones and the alleged plans to target civilian locations could not be independently verified. Abdiqadir did not publicly provide evidence supporting those claims.

The latest statement nevertheless underscores the depth of the political and security divide between the federal government and Laftagareen’s camp, with Baidoa remaining the central point of the confrontation.