Escalation tensions are being observed between the South West State regional government of Somalia and federal government. Flights from Mogadishu to Baidoa remained suspended for several hours today. The two sides are confronting each other at Barawe airport too.
One of the main reasons behind new conflict between the governments is the issue of the expulsion of Ethiopian troops and deployment of Egyptian military. South West State led by President Abdi Aziz Laftagareen is opposed to the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops and entry of Egyptian troops in his regional state. The regional leaders say that withdrawal of Ethiopian military would expose the state to attack from Al Shabaab.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barr last week visited Baidoa. He tried to reassure the government and elders that federal troops will protect the regional state after the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, but no agreement could be reached.
Today, hundreds of federal troops landed at Barawe airport in South West state and seized control of it. Mogadishu civil aviation authority suspended flights from Mogadishu to Baidoa for several hours. Later flight operation was restored.
Ethiopia and Somalia have been involved in a dispute over an MoU signed by Somaliland and Ethiopia in January 2024. Federal government of Somalia wants all Ethiopian troops to leave Somalia and Egyptian troops to take their place. Some federal member states including South West state disagree with this decision.
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