Somalia’s Southwest State imposes curfew in tense Baidoa

BAIDOA, Somalia — Authorities in Somalia’s Southwest State have imposed a curfew in Baidoa, restricting the movement of people and vehicles after Maghrib prayers following renewed clashes in the city.

Southwest State Security Minister Isaaq Mohamed said Wednesday the measure was intended to strengthen security and restore order amid heightened tensions.

He urged residents to comply with security directives, saying non-essential movement would not be permitted after Maghrib prayers.

Security forces have also been instructed to focus on maintaining order inside the city, with the minister saying Baidoa’s security situation requires close monitoring and increased vigilance.

The curfew comes after renewed fighting in Baidoa involving forces loyal to former Southwest State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. The latest clashes mark the third major outbreak of violence in the city since August 17.

The fighting has affected civilians and disrupted commercial and daily activities in Baidoa, a key city in southern Somalia that also hosts large numbers of people displaced by conflict and drought.

Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said 94 wounded people were treated following the August 17 clashes, including 29 women and 20 children. Four people were reported killed.

Another round of fighting on September 3 sent 71 wounded people to Bay Regional Hospital, according to MSF. The casualties included 15 women and 12 children, while one person was reported killed.

The renewed violence comes amid a wider political dispute over the leadership and future political direction of Southwest State, with rival political and military factions backing opposing positions.

The security situation in Baidoa remains tense, with authorities urging residents to follow the curfew and security measures as efforts continue to prevent further clashes.

GAROWE ONLINE