Baidoa(Mogadishu24)-Here are the key stages of the escalating tension between South West State and the Federal Government of Somalia:
1. Opposition to Egyptian Troops Deployment
South West State's cities, along with their administration, opposed the deployment of Egyptian troops, preferring Ethiopian forces already present. This stance, dating back to Ethiopian troops joining AU forces in 2014, created initial friction with the Federal Government.
2. Support from Federal Parliamentarians
Federal parliamentarians from South West State backed their communities' stance against Egyptian troops, further aggravating the Federal Government. This led to threats of assassination and removal of parliamentary immunity, escalating the conflict.
3. Laftagareen's Praise for Parliamentarians
South West State's President, Laftagareen, hailed the parliamentarians as heroes for rejecting what he termed "tribal patriotism." His public defiance solidified the rift between him and the Federal Government.
4. Failed Diplomatic Efforts
Somalia’s Prime Minister visited Baidoa for closed-door talks with Laftagareen, attempting to bring him to Mogadishu to resolve the tensions. However, the efforts failed, deepening the divide.
5. Communications Breakdown
Speaker of the House Sheikh Aadan Madoobe also tried to persuade Laftagareen to negotiate in Mogadishu. Laftagareen, however, insisted that the key points had already been discussed with the Prime Minister, signaling a deadlock.
6. Military Supply Blockade
The Somali National Army’s 60th Division in Baidoa, loyal to Laftagareen, had their supplies cut off after refusing orders from the Defense Minister, a political rival from South West State. Laftagareen saw this as an attempted coup and took control of the finances.
7. Suspicious Flight Restrictions
A series of suspicious incidents involving air travel between South West cities raised alarms:
A military plane was grounded.
The commander of the Somali National Army in Hudur was stopped at Mogadishu airport.
Federal parliamentarians’ flight from Mogadishu to Baidoa was delayed for hours.
8. Military Activity in Barawe
Tensions reached a critical point with the start of military activity in Barawe, where forces loyal to the Federal Government began mobilizing. The Federal Government’s plans to hold elections in Barawe have added fuel to the escalating conflict, threatening to further divide South West State.