By Adan Gesey - Reporter
Baidoa, 15 September 2026 - A rally in support of Turkey was held at Dr Ayuub Stadium in Baidoa on Tuesday, with speakers condemning the reported burning of the Turkish flag in villages near the city as an attack on a country they said had supported Somalia and South West State.
The rally, organized by the Baidoa district administration, drew residents from different sections of the city and officials from Somalia’s South West State.
Southwest State Security Minister Ishaq Mohamed Korsar expressed support for Turkey and praised Ankara for its backing of the Somali federal government and the South West State administration.
“This rally is an expression of our feelings and shows that we are saddened by the burning of the honourable flag of the government of our brotherly country, Turkey, in a rural area,” Korsar said.
He accused those behind the incident of having their own interests and aligning themselves with Al Shabaab, referring to the group as Khawaarij, a term commonly used by Somali authorities.
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“Turkey’s support cannot be hidden, and we thank them for it,” he said.
The rally comes as political tensions remain high in South West State, where opponents of the administration led by former President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen have criticized Turkey’s role in the region.
Those opposed to the administration have alleged that Turkish aircraft are involved in military operations in the area. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Turkey has maintained close ties with Somalia and has provided development, humanitarian and security support to the country.