MOGADISHU, Somalia— Somalia’s federal government has suspended flights to Baidoa, the interim capital of South West state, in what appears to be its first concrete step amid an escalating dispute with the regional administration.
No flights departed for Baidoa on Tuesday following the decision, which affected both officials and civilians traveling to Baidoa in the Bay region.
Only United Nations and cargo flights are being allowed to operate to Baidoa due to ongoing humanitarian needs linked to drought conditions in the country, sources said.
The flight suspension came after South West state announced it was severing ties with Mogadishu, accusing the federal government of military mobilization and efforts to oust President Abdiaziz Laftagareen.
South West authorities also alleged that federal troops have been deployed to parts of the state to instigate conflict, claims that federal officials have not publicly addressed.
“The Federal Government has mobilized troops in areas under South West state leadership, and ministers are involved in this matter,” the statement said.
Political tensions in South West regions have continued to intensify, with reports of clashes in some areas and troop movements elsewhere raising fears of further conflict.
This marks the third regional state to cut ties with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over disputed constitutional changes and election reforms.
Mohamud is expected to benefit from a one-year extension to his term under the proposed changes, despite having about two months remaining in his current four-year mandate after being sworn in on May 15, 2022.
He has been pushing for a one-person, one-vote electoral system, a move rejected by Jubaland and Puntland, as well as prominent opposition leaders based in Mogadishu.
Analysts warn Somalia risks a repeat of the 2021 crisis, when then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo extended his term under similar circumstances, triggering armed clashes in Mogadishu before a return to indirect elections to ease tensions.
