President Mohamud Chairs Crucial Security Meeting in Baidoa

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA: Federal Republic of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud chaired a high-level security meeting in Baidoa, focusing on stabilisation efforts and coordination among security agencies in South West State.

The president, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, received briefings from senior commanders of the Somali National Armed Forces and other officials on ongoing operations and plans to strengthen control in the region.

Officials outlined efforts to accelerate military campaigns against Al-Shabaab, alongside measures to manage recent security and administrative changes and improve the justice system.

The meeting comes amid a rapidly evolving situation in South West State, where political tensions between federal authorities and regional leaders have escalated in recent weeks over election disputes and governance. The standoff has raised concerns among international partners about the risk of instability and its impact on security operations.

Baidoa, a key administrative and military hub, has also seen increased troop movements and security activity linked to the dispute, with analysts warning that tensions could undermine gains against Islamist insurgents.

In late March, federal forces took control of the city following a political fallout that led to the resignation of the regional president, highlighting strains within Somalia’s federal system and the fragile balance between political reforms and security priorities.

Against this backdrop, authorities say reinforcing coordination among security agencies remains critical to sustaining pressure on militant groups and preventing further instability in the region.