Baydhabo (WDN)- Communities, traditional elders, and political leaders in South West State are increasingly voicing deep concern over the role of Turkey in the worsening political and security crisis unfolding across the South West region. They warn that Ankara’s military backing is exacerbating internal tensions, fueling fear, displacement, and dangerous new divisions within local communities.
Local leaders argue that continued external involvement in the fragile political landscape risks further destabilizing South West State at a time when reconciliation, inclusive dialogue, and political consensus are urgently needed to prevent the situation from spiraling into broader conflict.
Many political elders and community leaders in South West Somalia now believe Turkey has moved beyond its long-standing role as a reconstruction and humanitarian partner and has entered a far more dangerous phase — becoming an active player in Somalia’s internal political conflicts.
The most serious accusations center on military support allegedly being used in favor of former Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and allied forces, who are accused of attempting to impose political control over South West regions through military intimidation, drone surveillance, and the use of state power.
Reports emerging from Baydhabo, Berdale, Buurhakaba, and surrounding areas indicate that Turkish-supplied drones have been flying continuously over towns and security installations controlled by South West regional forces.
Residents say the constant presence of drones in the skies has created an atmosphere of fear and psychological pressure, particularly among women, children, and civilians already struggling under worsening economic and security conditions.
“People do not understand why war drones are hovering above their towns when they are not fighting any war,” one elder in Baydhabo reportedly said. “It feels as though an entire population is being treated as a target.”
The growing anger stems from a broader question now being asked across Somalia: why is advanced military technology being deployed in internal political disputes instead of being focused entirely on the fight against Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose one of the gravest threats to the country’s survival?
The crisis in South West Somalia has intensified sharply following bitter disputes surrounding regional elections and the use of state force in political competition.
Many residents believe military pressure is now being used to silence opposition voices and intimidate communities opposed to the political direction imposed on the region.
There is a growing perception that South West Somalia is turning into a testing ground for military influence and foreign intervention, while ordinary civilians continue to bear the heaviest burden.
“People in Baydhabo now feel they are being ruled from the skies,” said one political analyst in Mogadishu. “They are living under intimidation driven by military technology they do not even understand.”
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