Elite Haramcad Unit Accused of Rampaging Through Baidoa

Baidoa (WDN) – In yet another episode highlighting the chronic dysfunction that continues to plague Somalia’s security institutions, reports emerging from Baidoa suggest that members of the elite Haramcad Police Unit, one of the country’s most heavily armed and specially trained forces have turned their frustrations inward after allegedly going unpaid for months.

According to local sources, a group of disgruntled officers staged a mutiny-like protest that quickly escalated into scenes described by residents as disorderly and intimidating, raising fresh concerns about the consequences of deploying security forces without ensuring they receive their salaries.

Witnesses reported that armed officers entered several restaurants and businesses across parts of Baidoa, creating panic among residents and business owners. While conflicting accounts remain regarding whether any actual looting occurred, the mere sight of heavily armed security personnel storming commercial establishments was enough to send a chilling message throughout the city.

The incident has exposed a troubling paradox at the heart of Somalia’s security sector. For years, millions of dollars have been spent by international partners on training, equipping, and professionalizing specialized units such as Haramcad. These forces have often been showcased as symbols of a modern Somali security apparatus capable of confronting terrorism and maintaining public order.