Timelines of Events Leading to Laftagareen’s Resignation After Fall of Baidoa

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA: Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen resigned on Monday after federal government troops took control of Baidoa, marking the collapse of his administration following weeks of escalating political and military confrontation with Mogadishu.

The capture of the South West State capital effectively ended his grip on power, with federal forces securing key installations across the city.

The resignation capped a dramatic fallout with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a close ally since his return to office in 2022. Their relationship, once central to political stability in South West State, unraveled over disputes on constitutional reforms, electoral control, and political authority—setting off a chain of events that culminated in armed clashes and institutional collapse.

As the crisis deepened, Lower House Speaker Aden Madobe increasingly emerged as a key political heavyweight and a probable replacement figure in South West’s evolving leadership landscape.

Timeline of Key Events

Early February 2026
Laftagareen publicly signals rising tensions in South West, warning of instability and accusing unnamed actors of interference, indicating a deepening but still contained political crisis.

Early March 2026
The federal government pushes through constitutional amendments aimed at transitioning to a one-person-one-vote system. South West leadership rejects the changes, arguing they undermine regional autonomy.

Mid-March 2026
Relations between Baidoa and Mogadishu break down completely. On March 17, South West State announces it is severing ties with the federal government, accusing it of interference and attempts to remove the regional leadership.

Mid to Late March 2026
The crisis spreads into the security sector. Rival directives are issued to military and police commanders, creating parallel chains of command and fragmenting control over security forces in Baidoa.

Late March 2026
Clashes erupt in and around Baidoa between forces aligned with the federal government and those loyal to Laftagareen. His political base weakens amid growing internal opposition and shifting alliances.

Late March 2026 (Political Realignment)
Federal authorities begin exploring alternative leadership arrangements in South West, with Speaker Aden Madobe seen as a central figure in the shifting political calculus.

30 March 2026
Federal troops advance into Baidoa and take control of major parts of the city, effectively dismantling Laftagareen’s authority on the ground.

31 March 2026 (Monday)
Laftagareen resigns after losing control of the capital, the security apparatus, and political backing, bringing an end to his administration.