Baidoa (WDN) – A remarkable and increasingly visible military mobilization is unfolding around Baidoa as forces loyal to deposed South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Lafta Gareen” strengthen their positions amid mounting political uncertainty following the region’s dramatic leadership transition.

Sources in and around Baidoa report that armored vehicles, heavy weaponry, and additional fighters have been deployed to strategic positions on the outskirts of the city, where military units aligned with Lafta Gareen remain concentrated. Supporters of the former leader insist the deployments are intended to safeguard regional security and protect South West State from what they describe as political interference and externally driven power restructuring.

The developments come at a pivotal moment for South West State. Only days ago, the political landscape was dramatically altered when Lafta Gareen was removed from office and a new administration led by Aadan Mohamed Nur “Aadan Madoobe“ emerged to take control of the regional government.

Yet the transition has done little to settle tensions. Political allies of Lafta Gareen have openly questioned the legitimacy of the process that produced the new leadership, arguing that the change was implemented without sufficient political consensus or broad-based support from the people of South West State. Their criticism has fueled speculation that the struggle for influence in the region may be far from over.

Adding to the intrigue, reports indicate that military training exercises and force mobilization efforts were recently completed in areas surrounding Baidoa. Officials aligned with Lafta Gareen indicate the preparations are designed to defend the constitutional powers of South West State and preserve what they view as the region’s political rights and autonomy.

Residents have also reported an intensified security presence along key roads leading into Baidoa, with checkpoints reinforced and military movements becoming increasingly noticeable. The growing concentration of armed forces has transformed the atmosphere in and around the regional capital, drawing attention from political observers across Somalia.

The military buildup has heightened concerns that the political dispute could evolve into a broader confrontation if tensions continue to escalate without dialogue or mediation. Analysts warn that South West State now finds itself at a critical crossroads, where political disagreements risk spilling into a dangerous security crisis.

What makes the situation particularly striking is the speed with which events have unfolded. A leadership transition that was expected to usher in a new political chapter has instead exposed deep divisions within the region’s political establishment, while rival camps continue to consolidate support and strengthen their positions.

Despite the growing concern, neither the Federal Government of Somalia nor the newly installed South West administration has issued a formal statement addressing the reports of military deployments around Baidoa.

For now, Baidoa remains calm but beneath the surface, a tense and extraordinary political drama appears to be gathering momentum, with the future direction of South West State hanging in the balance.

WardheerNews