Somali Cabinet Split Over Deadly Clashes in Baidoa city

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A heated dispute erupted during a Somali Cabinet meeting on Thursday as ministers clashed over recent violent confrontations in the city of Baidoa, exposing deep fractures within the federal government.

The tensions surfaced during a discussion on the unrest that has gripped Baidoa over the past 48 hours. The disagreements highlight a growing divide among top officials regarding the security and political crisis in the Southwest State.

The Minister of Livestock, Hassan Hussein Mohamed (also known as "Eelay"), accused the Southwest State administration of orchestrating an attack against federal government forces. He further alleged that local authorities targeted his private residence and committed abuses against federal soldiers stationed in the area.

However, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Isaaq Mohamud Mursal, and the State Minister for Planning —both viewed as allies of Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed "Laftagareen"—defended the actions taken in Baidoa. They maintained that security forces were acting to prevent "armed groups" from establishing illegal checkpoints and destabilizing the city’s safety.

The cabinet’s inability to reach a consensus underscores the fragility of the federal leadership at a time when Somalia is navigating a complex mix of political disputes and security challenges.

The political analysts say the public nature of this cabinet rift could further complicate efforts to mediate the standoff between Mogadishu and regional administrations.

GAROWE ONLINE