Somalia’s national army has taken control of Baidoa, the capital of South West state, prompting regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen to resign.
The move comes two weeks after Laftagareen’s administration severed ties with the federal government, citing disagreements over constitutional amendments.
The strategic city of Baidoa, home to international peacekeepers and humanitarian agencies, has been affected by drought, conflict, and displacement.
Local residents have fled the area, and some aid agencies have suspended activities, fearing clashes between the army and regional forces.
The federal government has welcomed the army’s takeover, stating that the former South West state administration created political conflict.
Laftagareen’s resignation reflects the ongoing power struggle between Mogadishu and regional administrations in Somalia’s fragile federal system.
