By Asma Mohamud - Reporter
BAIDOA, Somalia — More than 150 fighters who supported former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen have surrendered to Somali Federal Government forces in the Bay region, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The surrendered fighters, led by Ibrahim Mohamed Nur Kalaay, the former Awdiinle district commissioner, handed over various weapons and military vehicles. The Ministry stated that the group abandoned politically motivated armed activities in parts of the Bay region.
Negotiations are ongoing to persuade remaining Laftagareen-aligned forces to disarm, integrate into government forces, or return to civilian life. However, some units continue to hold positions on the outskirts of Baidoa and have clashed intermittently with federal troops.
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Federal forces entered Baidoa on 30 March 2026 following Laftagareen’s resignation as South West State president, effectively taking control of the regional administration.
While the surrender is seen as a step toward easing tensions, the persistent presence of armed forces outside the city highlights ongoing security challenges and the risk of renewed clashes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of integrating remaining combatants to consolidate stability in South West State.