By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Baidoa, 18 September 2026 - Intellectuals, professionals and community figures from Somalia's South West State have called for an immediate ceasefire as a political dispute escalates into armed confrontation in Baidoa.
In a statement signed by 29 people, the group urged protection of civilians, restraint from all sides, and resolution of political disagreements through inclusive dialogue and lawful, constitutional processes rather than armed confrontation.
The signatories urged all sides to protect civilian lives and property and refrain from clan mobilization, hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and the spread of misinformation.
"Political disagreements must not be allowed to divide communities or deepen the suffering of the people of South West State," the statement said.
The statement comes days after former Custodial Corps commander General Mahad Abdirahman Adan, widely known as Commander Shub, said in a local media interview that they would not stop fighting as long as Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe remained president of South West State.
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The signatories also proposed establishing a credible and independent commission comprising intellectuals, traditional elders, religious scholars, women, business leaders and other respected community figures.
They proposed that the commission facilitate an inclusive South West political dialogue, to be held no later than December 15, 2026, at a venue acceptable to all sides.
The signatories said they were prepared to engage directly with the parties to the conflict in support of a ceasefire, the de-escalation of tensions and the implementation of peaceful dialogue.
South West State continues to face a political dispute that has escalated into armed confrontation. The tensions involve former South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, who maintains that he remains president, and the current administration led by Adan Madobe. Forces loyal to Laftagareen have launched several attacks on the city of Baidoa.