MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has deployed hundreds of Turkish-trained police special forces, known as Haramcad, to the Southwest state, sources and local media reported, as tensions escalate between authorities in Mogadishu and regional leaders in Baidoa.
The troops were flown from Mogadishu to the coastal city of Barawe, raising tensions amid a deepening political dispute between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Southwest State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen.
Sources said the forces are expected to reinforce security and begin operations in the region. The deployment marks the first phase of a broader mobilization, with additional troops planned.
Somalia’s military chief, Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, has also been ordered to prepare up to 1,100 soldiers for possible deployment, the sources said.
The move comes as relations between the federal government and Southwest state continue to deteriorate. On Wednesday, Laftagareen accused the federal government of being behind recent clashes in parts of the Bay region.
He said the federal government had joined hands with al-Shabab to allow armed militias to move through militant-held territory to attack the town of Burhakaba.
“The federal government and al-Shabab have joined hands to destroy South West State,” he said.
Authorities in Mogadishu did not immediately respond to the allegation.
Two sources said federal authorities aim to consolidate control over Barawe and extend their reach toward Burhakaba in the Bay region, where opposition groups have reportedly mobilized against Laftagareen.
Tensions escalated further after Laftagareen rejected recent constitutional changes that he said would grant Mohamud a one-year extension.
Laftagareen said he recognizes only the 2012 provisional constitution, rejecting the changes as corrupt and opposing Mohamud’s push for a one-person, one-vote electoral system.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said the federal government “condemns” the decision and will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities in Southwest regions.
The ministry urged Southwest state to remain engaged in reconciliation efforts and the country’s democratization process, including ongoing constitutional reforms.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time, with broader political tensions linked to federal elections and recent constitutional amendments signed by Mohamud.
It is the third regional state to cut ties with Mohamud over disputed constitutional changes and election reforms.
Mohamud is expected to benefit from a one-year extension under the proposed changes, despite having about two months remaining in his current four-year term since he was sworn in 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 eased tensions.
