Somalia: Southwest State Leader Issues Stark Warning as Baidoa Tensions Escalate

BAIDOA, Somalia — South West President Sheikh Adan Madobe returned to Baidoa on Saturday after a working trip to Mogadishu and issued a stern warning to forces linked to the region's former leader following recent fighting in the city.

The Villa Somalia-hand-picked leader Aden was received at Shaati Gaduud Airport by members of the South West parliament, ministers, lawmakers, security officials and residents.

Speaking after his arrival, South West parliament speaker Mahad Mohamed Sheikh briefed the president on the security and political situation in the region. He described the security situation as stable and said forces loyal to the former administration had suffered a major defeat during their recent attack on Baidoa.

He also praised the government and South West security forces for efforts to protect civilians and prevent attacks by Al-Shabaab, referring to the militant group by the Somali term Khawaarij.

Madobe thanked residents and officials for the welcome and commended the armed forces and security agencies for their efforts to maintain stability and protect civilians across South West state.

But the president struck a tougher tone when addressing the former administration's leaders, who he said were currently conducting activities on the outskirts of Baidoa.

Madobe warned that his administration would target the locations of those forces, drawing a comparison between them and Al-Shabaab.

The remarks come after recent clashes in Baidoa involving forces aligned with rival political factions, further escalating tensions between South West authorities and opponents of Madobe's administration.

The dispute has unfolded against a broader backdrop of political tensions between Somalia's federal government and several regional administrations and opposition figures over elections, constitutional changes and the distribution of political and security powers.

Madobe also issued an appeal to young people who have joined Al-Shabaab, urging them to abandon what he described as an erroneous ideology and surrender to the government.

He said his administration was ready to receive anyone who abandoned militancy and wanted to contribute to peace, state-building and development.

The president's comments appeared aimed at distinguishing between those involved in political and armed opposition to his administration and young Somalis fighting alongside Al-Shabaab, while reinforcing his government's call for defections from the militant group.

Madobe also urged residents of Baidoa not to believe what he described as propaganda and threatening messages circulating on social media.

He said residents of South West deserved peace, stability and security, while calling on the public to remain calm amid heightened political and security tensions.

Baidoa, the interim administrative capital of South West state, has emerged as a focal point in Somalia's wider political disputes. The city has previously witnessed clashes between rival security forces, highlighting the fragile relationship between competing authorities.

The latest warning by Madobe is likely to heighten tensions as his administration seeks to consolidate control over Baidoa and surrounding areas.

No independent figures were immediately available on casualties from the recent fighting, and the rival side's response to Madobe's latest threat was not included in the statement.

The developments come as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen security institutions while battling Al-Shabaab, which remains capable of carrying out attacks across parts of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE