Speaker Madoobe Holds Emergency Security Meeting in Baidoa as Federal Forces Repel Pro-Laftagareen Militia Attack

BAIDOA, Somalia – The Speaker of the House of the People of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), held an emergency security meeting in Baidoa with senior military and intelligence leaders to assess the handling of a security incident in the South West State temporary capital, following an early morning attack by armed groups attempting to destabilize the city.

The important briefing was conducted by the Deputy Commander of Somalia National Army Infantry Forces, General Abdullahi Adan Hussein (Cirro), along with the Commander of the SNA 60th Division, Colonel Isaaq Berdaale, and the South West State Regional Intelligence Director, Macalin Saalax Cabdinuur Cali.

Emergency Meeting Following Armed Attack

The emergency discussions followed clashes between the Somali National Army and forces loyal to former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Mohamed Hassan Laftagareen. The meeting concentrated on reinforcing security measures, improving coordination among security agencies, and intensifying efforts to prevent further threats to public safety.

During the conference, the unified command presented the Speaker with a detailed operational report concerning the armed confrontation involving an unauthorized militia group in Baidoa. The officials explained how integrated security forces implemented a rapid, unified response strategy to confront the hostile elements, completely eliminating the armed faction and successfully averting additional civil unrest or harm to public property.

Government Forces Expel Armed Elements

Government forces later expelled the armed elements from Baidoa and strengthened security positions throughout the city. Officials at the meeting commended the alertness and rapid response of security forces, noting they had successfully repelled the attack and stopped the assailants from accomplishing their goals.

The quick mobilization by the combined security forces fully reestablished normal operations in the city’s commercial and government areas. The federal government has been tightening its grip on Baidoa following the removal of Laftagareen, with federal forces maintaining a strong presence throughout the city to prevent any further attempts to destabilize the regional capital.

Speaker Praises Security Forces

Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur extended official appreciation to the military and intelligence agencies for their preemptive security measures. Praising the bravery and coordination displayed among different security components, the Speaker stressed that upholding legal authority and public security is an essential condition for regional harmony. He additionally instructed local security authorities to sustain increased alertness to protect the peace established in Baidoa.

Participants emphasized the necessity of maintaining strong collaboration between security institutions and local communities to protect stability and ensure civilian safety. A coalition of Somali regional states and prominent political leaders has officially thrown its support behind Southwest State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, further isolating the federal government amid a rapidly deepening constitutional crisis.

Political Tensions Since March

Political tensions in Southwest State have persisted since March 30, when Laftagareen was removed from office following weeks of escalating conflicts and a security operation in Baidoa supported by the federal government. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially issued a decree appointing an interim leader for the Southwest State administration following the dramatic removal of Laftagareen, which occurred after days of escalating political tension and intense military clashes between rival forces.

Laftagareen has forcefully renewed his claim to office, declaring that he remains the lawful regional leader following his March 28 re-election, which he says complied fully with both federal and regional constitutional frameworks. Just two days after his re-election, heavily armed federal forces entered Baidoa, prompting Laftagareen to resign and depart for Nairobi, Kenya.

Federal Government Declares Mandate Expired

The Somali federal government significantly intensified the growing political conflict with the Southwest State leadership by officially announcing that the regional administration’s term had concluded and initiating measures for a formal transition. According to an official public statement, the Federal Ministry of Interior declared that Laftagareen no longer possesses legitimate executive authority.

The Somali Future Council, a powerful political alliance comprising the regional governments of Jubbaland and Puntland alongside the Salvation Forum, issued a formal public statement directly endorsing Laftagareen’s challenge to the central government’s authority. The council explicitly accused President Mohamud’s administration of employing the Somali National Army for narrow political objectives.

Looking Ahead

As both federal and opposition forces posture for the next phase of the political standoff, residents of Baidoa and the wider South West region remain caught in the middle of a power struggle that has already displaced thousands and disrupted essential services. The Speaker’s visit and the emergency security meeting underscore the federal government’s determination to maintain stability in Baidoa ahead of scheduled regional elections.

The federal government is preparing to hold elections in Baidoa in the coming weeks. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has declared that there will be no elections in Baidoa or across South West other than a one-person, one-vote process. “We will not allow, in any way, disorder, revenge, clan-based discrimination or any trouble in Baidoa,” Prime Minister Hamza has stated.