Somalia’s Government Prepares South West Offensive as Ethiopia’s Role UnclearMOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government, led by a president nearing the end of his term, appears to be edging toward a direct confrontation with the South West State, following a sharp breakdown in relations with its leader, President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Laftagareen. Recent reports indicate that federal forces have been moved into Buurhakaba, a town located approximately 60 to 70 kilometers from Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State. The deployment is widely seen as a significant escalation, placing federal troops within striking distance of the regional stronghold. Meanwhile, South West authorities have mobilized substantial defensive forces around the outskirts of Baidoa, signaling preparations for a possible confrontation. Diplomatic sources suggest that federal troops involved in the current mobilization may be equipped with weapons recently supplied by Egypt.

Source: Ethiopian News March 28, 2026 09:25 UTC