Somali Opposition Leaders Condemn Deadly Clashes in Baidoa, Urge Gov’t Action

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: Somali opposition leaders have strongly condemned deadly clashes that erupted over two days in Baidoa, the capital of South West State, warning that the violence threatens national stability and deepens Somalia’s ongoing political crisis.

In a statement Thursday evening, the Somali Future Council said the fighting resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, destruction of property, and serious disruption to public life in the city. It accused security forces loyal to the South West State administration of using excessive force against civilians, including protesters, and called for immediate accountability.

The council said the clashes had worsened insecurity in Baidoa and undermined public trust in political institutions, noting that the violence occurred amid heightened political tensions linked to disputes over governance and electoral processes.

The statement urged federal authorities to intervene urgently, stressing that responsibility for safeguarding civilians and upholding constitutional order rests with the Federal Government. It called for an independent investigation into the events, accountability for those responsible, and political dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The Somali Future Council also reaffirmed its support for constitutionalism, the rule of law, and peaceful political engagement, warning that continued repression and political exclusion risk pushing the country into deeper instability.