Baidoa, Somalia (Horn post) — The United Nations says nearly 45,000 people have been displaced by recent clashes in Somalia’s Southwest State, as tensions escalated around a disputed regional election that saw Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen re-elected for a second term.
In a statement issued by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, George Conway, the agency warned that violence and insecurity in the region have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, many seeking refuge in areas with limited access to basic services and humanitarian assistance.
“We are deeply concerned that those affected include some of the most vulnerable populations,” Conway said, noting that approximately 30 percent of the displaced were already living in camps for internally displaced persons before the latest unrest. “They were already struggling with the compounded impacts of severe drought.”
The statement highlighted that women, children, the elderly, and people with special needs are among those most at risk, particularly in areas surrounding Baidoa, where humanitarian conditions are rapidly deteriorating.
The UN urged all parties involved in the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians, ensure freedom of movement, and guarantee safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
The agency also called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions to prevent further violence.
“If urgent action is not taken, the humanitarian situation in Baidoa—already home to an estimated 430,000 internally displaced people—will worsen significantly,” the statement added.
The developments come after Laftagareen was re-elected on March 28, 2026, in a vote held in Baidoa. According to officials, he secured 66 votes against 13 for his closest rival in a process that concluded in less than four hours and included the selection of parliamentary leadership.
The election has been opposed by Somalia’s federal government, contributing to rising political tensions and triggering armed confrontations in parts of the Southwest State.
Analysts warn that the dispute risks further destabilizing an already fragile region, as humanitarian needs continue to grow amid recurring drought and insecurity.
Prepared by: Horn Post Staff
Contact: info@hornpost.com
Website: www.hornpost.com
