Somali Federal Troops Seize Baidoa as Southwest President Resigns
On March 30, 2026, Somali federal forces completed their takeover of Baidoa, the capital of Southwest State, following weeks of military advancement supported by Turkish drones. The Southwest State President, Abdiasis Laftagaren, resigned shortly after the federal government declared his recent re-election a sham. The takeover was marked by limited clashes with regional forces and occurred amid mutual accusations of Al-Shabaab collaboration between federal and regional leaders. The African Union has called for immediate restraint to prevent further instability.
Displaced: 8500