BAIDOA, Somalia — August 27, 2026 — A senior Southwest State special police commander known as Sandheere has reportedly left Baidoa for Buurhakaba after recording an unreleased resignation video, raising concerns among officials aligned with Aden Madobe that he could join forces loyal to former regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen.”

Security sources said Sandheere departed Baidoa on Thursday after senior officials held talks with him until late Wednesday night in an attempt to persuade him to remain in the city.

The commander reportedly recorded a video announcing his resignation during the night, but the recording was not released publicly. It remains unclear why the video was withheld or whether Sandheere has formally submitted his resignation to the relevant authorities.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the talks ended without an agreement. Sandheere subsequently began travelling toward Buurhakaba, a strategically located district in the Bay region.

Officials supporting Aden Madobe reportedly fear that the commander may join Laftagareen-aligned forces. However, no public statement from Sandheere has confirmed that he plans to defect or change his political allegiance.

Sandheere is expected to address the reasons for his departure, the pressures associated with his position and his relationship with the Aden Madobe-aligned administration. Earlier reports indicated that he could hold a press conference after arriving in Buurhakaba.

Neither the Aden Madobe administration nor representatives of Laftagareen had publicly commented on the commander’s reported departure at the time of publication.

Sandheere’s previous security role

Sandheere has been described by local security sources as one of the most influential commanders within the Southwest State security structure.

Before the latest political divisions, he held a senior command role in Buurhakaba and was associated with the regional Darawish and special police forces responsible for local security operations. His familiarity with the district and its security personnel could make his return politically and militarily significant.

The commander also played an important operational role in forces that moved from Buurhakaba toward Baidoa during the recent confrontation. Sources said he was involved in coordinating personnel deployed in support of the authorities controlling the regional capital.

His reported resignation comes shortly after renewed fighting in Baidoa between federal forces and fighters loyal to Laftagareen. Federal troops regained control of the city on August 17 following intense clashes in which fighters, soldiers and civilians were reported killed, according to officials and witnesses

No new fighting or casualties were immediately reported in connection with Sandheere’s departure.

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Baidoa has remained at the centre of a prolonged dispute over political authority in Southwest State. The confrontation has involved the federal government, the Aden Madobe-led administration and forces supporting Laftagareen.

Federal forces first took control of Baidoa on March 30 after tensions between Mogadishu and the former regional administration escalated over constitutional amendments, regional elections and the division of authority between Somalia’s federal government and its member states.

Laftagareen announced his resignation after the federal takeover in March, days after securing another term in a disputed regional vote. However, forces loyal to him remained active and later mounted attempts to regain control of Baidoa.

The political crisis has repeatedly disrupted security in the Bay region. Baidoa is an important administrative, security and humanitarian centre hosting displaced communities, international agencies and peacekeeping personnel.

The road linking Baidoa and Buurhakaba also carries strategic importance for the movement of troops, civilians and commercial supplies. Insecurity along the route has previously been linked to both political fighting and attacks by Al-Shabaab.

Sandheere’s departure could weaken the Aden Madobe-aligned security structure if officers or personnel under his influence follow him. His previous command experience in Buurhakaba could also make his next decision important to the balance of forces in the Bay region.

A confirmed move to Laftagareen’s camp would represent a potentially significant defection following the latest fighting in Baidoa. However, such a move has not been confirmed, and Sandheere’s final position may become clearer only after he makes a public statement.

Continued divisions among regional security units could increase the risk of further instability and disrupt efforts to protect civilians. Renewed political fighting could also divert personnel and resources from operations against Al-Shabaab.