Somalia: Fresh Battle Renewed in Somalia's Baidoa Town

What the report says

A new round of fighting has broken out in Baidoa, a key city in Somalia’s South West State, according to Shabelle reporting distributed by AllAfrica. The clashes involved forces backing South West State leader Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe and fighters loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

Local accounts cited by the report said Laftagareen-aligned fighters had moved closer to areas around Baidoa in recent days, fueling fears of another escalation. The article says the city has already seen heavy clashes between the rival camps before, with fighting previously lasting for hours and gunfire and artillery reported in several parts of Baidoa.

The dispute is tied to a broader political contest over who controls South West State and how its leadership should be decided. Laftagareen’s camp has described its campaign as an effort to “liberate” the state, while Madobe’s administration says it is the legitimate authority in Baidoa.

The report said neither the Somali federal government nor Madobe’s administration had issued a formal statement confirming the latest fighting. It also noted that local peace and community groups have urged a ceasefire and talks, amid concern that renewed clashes could disrupt security, daily life and basic services in the city.