Military Buildup Around Baidoa Deepens as Lafta Gareen Loyalists Mobilize Amid South West Power Shift

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.