As a political dispute over control of the region intensified, heavy fighting was reported in Baidoa on Monday between forces backing South West State leader Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe and fighters loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Local reports said gunfire and explosions were heard in parts of the southwestern city, with Laftagareen-aligned forces said to have moved closer to Baidoa in recent days. Shabelle Media Network said claims that fighters had taken control of buildings or were using drones could not be independently confirmed.
According to Shabelle Media Network, neither the Somali federal government nor Madobe’s administration had officially confirmed the latest fighting.
The violence comes in the midst of a long-standing dispute between Mogadishu and Laftagareen’s camp over the leadership and political future of South West State. Laftagareen’s supporters have previously said they would continue operations to “liberate” the region, while Madobe’s administration maintains it is the legitimate governing authority in Baidoa.
Another government report on Sept. 3 said federal forces had repelled an attack on Baidoa but that was an earlier incident and should not be presented as part of the clashes on Monday.
