MOGADISHU, Somalia — June 27, 2026 —Security forces from Wanlaweyn district, led by Police Station Commander Xasan Ubaay, formally joined troops loyal to Southwest State President Abdiaziz Lafta Gareen on the outskirts of Baidoa on Saturday, according to officials and local sources.
The forces reportedly arrived carrying heavy weapons and military equipment before being received by senior figures aligned with Lafta Gareen. The development marks the latest shift in the ongoing political and security confrontation involving rival factions competing for influence in Southwest State.
Officials supporting Lafta Gareen said the newly arrived forces pledged allegiance to his administration and expressed support for the regional leadership amid continuing tensions with federal government-backed authorities operating in Baidoa.
According to officials from the Lafta Gareen camp, the forces entered positions outside Baidoa and were welcomed by former Southwest State security officials and commanders supporting the regional president.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing armed personnel and military vehicles arriving at camps occupied by Lafta Gareen-aligned troops. Independent verification of the exact number of soldiers involved was not immediately available.
Supporters of Lafta Gareen described the move as a significant reinforcement for forces stationed around Baidoa. They argued that the latest arrivals would strengthen their military and political position amid the ongoing dispute over the leadership of Southwest State.
No immediate statement was issued by federal authorities or officials associated with the rival administration in Baidoa regarding the reported defection.
Growing Political Tensions in Southwest State
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a prolonged political standoff that has divided Southwest State into competing camps.
One administration continues to operate from Baidoa with backing from Somalia’s Federal Government and allied political leaders.
At the same time, forces loyal to Lafta Gareen have maintained positions outside the city following earlier disagreements over political legitimacy, governance issues, and regional leadership.
The dispute has created parallel political structures and competing claims of authority, raising concerns among local communities and political observers about the risk of further instability.
According to regional analysts, the existence of rival administrations has complicated efforts to achieve a lasting political settlement and maintain unified security structures within the state.
Security Situation Remains Calm
Despite the arrival of additional troops, there were no immediate reports of clashes or casualties linked to Saturday’s deployment.
Residents in areas surrounding Baidoa told local media that normal activities continued throughout the day, although many remained concerned about the possibility of heightened tensions if rival forces increase their military presence.
Humanitarian organizations operating in the region have not reported any new displacement related to the latest developments.
Federal government officials had not publicly commented on the deployment by Saturday evening.
Authorities in Mogadishu have previously emphasized the importance of resolving political disputes through dialogue and constitutional processes, while regional leaders from different factions have continued to exchange competing claims regarding legitimacy and governance.
Political observers say any official response from federal authorities could play an important role in determining whether tensions ease or escalate in the coming days.
Southwest State has experienced recurring political disagreements over leadership and electoral processes in recent years.
Tensions intensified following disputes involving regional political actors and competing interpretations of governance arrangements within the state.
The city of Baidoa has remained at the center of those disputes because it serves as the administrative capital of Southwest State and hosts key government institutions.
Previous confrontations between rival political camps led to military deployments around the city, prompting repeated calls from elders, civil society organizations, and international partners for dialogue and de-escalation.
The latest movement of forces from Wanlaweyn represents another chapter in the continuing struggle for political influence within the region.
Attention is now likely to focus on whether additional security units or political leaders align themselves with either side of the dispute.
Analysts say the arrival of new forces could affect ongoing calculations by both regional and federal actors as they seek to consolidate support and strengthen their respective positions.
Community leaders have urged all parties to avoid actions that could trigger confrontation and instead pursue negotiations aimed at preserving stability in Baidoa and surrounding districts.
For now, the security situation remains stable, but observers warn that continued military mobilization around the city could increase tensions if political differences remain unresolved.
The arrival of security forces from Wanlaweyn is politically significant because it demonstrates that competing factions within Southwest State continue to attract support from security personnel and local actors.
The development may strengthen the bargaining position of the Lafta Gareen camp while increasing pressure on rival political groups and federal authorities to respond. Such shifts in allegiance can influence both political negotiations and security calculations on the ground.
For residents of Baidoa, the primary concern is maintaining peace and avoiding a return to armed confrontation. Stability in the city remains critical for governance, commerce, humanitarian operations, and public services across much of Southwest State.
The situation also carries broader national implications because political stability in Southwest State is closely tied to Somalia’s wider federal system and efforts to strengthen cooperation between federal and regional institutions.
