Somali army takes over key city in Southwest as state leader resigns
Apr 01, 2026
Mogadishu [Somalia], April 1: Somalia's national army has taken control of the biggest city in Southwest state, prompting the regional leader to resign two weeks after his administration said it was severing ties with the federal government.
The strategic city of Baidoa, the largest in Southwest state, is home to international peacekeepers and humanitarian agencies in an area affected by drought, conflict and displacement.
Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen had been in office for more than seven years. His resignation comes days after he was re-elected for another five-year term, an election the federal government said was illegal. Earlier on Monday, Somalia's federal forces entered Baidoa, which is about 245km northwest of the country's capital, Mogadishu, taking full control of the city and marking the start of a political transition. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune
