Baidoa, Somalia (Horn post) Questions have emerged over the whereabouts of Southwest State President Abdiaziz Mohamed Hassan Laftagareen following armed clashes in the southern city of Baidoa between federal government forces and regional troops.
Heavy fighting broke out earlier on Monday, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Somalia’s federal authorities and the Southwest State of Somalia administration. The confrontation comes after weeks of political disagreements between Federal Government of Somalia officials and regional leaders.
Amid the violence, unverified reports circulated on social media suggesting that President Laftagareen had fled Baidoa and departed by plane earlier in the day. However, those claims were swiftly denied by a presidential spokesperson.
Speaking to BBC, spokesperson Ugaas Hassan Abdi Mohamed dismissed the reports as false, stating that the president remains in Baidoa and is continuing his official duties.
“The president is in good condition and has not left the city,” the spokesperson said. “He is currently at the presidential palace, where meetings are ongoing between him and security agencies.”
The spokesperson also addressed reports regarding the presence of Ethiopian forces at Baidoa airport. He clarified that Ethiopian troops have long maintained control of the facility and denied any recent changes to their deployment.
“There is no new guarding arrangement at the airport. Ethiopian forces have been in control there previously,” he added.
The situation in Baidoa remains tense, with no immediate official casualty figures released. Analysts warn that the confrontation could deepen existing political fractures within Somalia’s federal system if not swiftly de-escalated.
Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement outlining the cause of the clashes or the current security outlook in the region.
Prepared by: Horn Post Staff
Contact: info@hornpost.com
Website: www.hornpost.com
