Top Federal Security Chiefs Arrive in Baidoa Ahead of President’s Visit

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: Senior federal security officials have arrived in Baidoa in what authorities describe as a major advance team ahead of an anticipated visit by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as efforts intensify to stabilize the city following recent political and security developments.

The delegation, which landed at Shaatigaduud airstrip to a warm reception, is led by the Commander of the Somali National Army, Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud. It also includes the Commander of the Somali Police Force, Asad Osman Abdullahi, and the Chairman of the First Instance Military Court, Hassan Ali Nur Shuuti.

The visit comes as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi as the interim leader of South West State on Wednesday, a move seen as part of broader federal efforts to reset governance and security structures in the region.

The new interim leader is expected to be unveiled during the president’s visit according to sources.

Officials say the deployment is part of wider federal efforts to restore order and ensure a coordinated security presence in Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State, which has recently experienced heightened tensions.

The visiting commanders are expected to play a central role in overseeing stabilization efforts, including harmonizing operations between federal forces and regional units. This includes integrating the South West State Darwish forces, local community defense units, and the Somali National Army under a unified command structure.