Somalia: Southwest State Bars Military Chiefs from Travel Amid Tension with FGS

BAIDOA, Somalia — Authorities in Somalia’s South West State on Monday issued an emergency order banning high-ranking military officials from traveling outside the administrative capital, Baidoa, signaling a deepening rift between the regional leadership and the federal government in Mogadishu.

The directive, issued by the South West State Ministry of Internal Security, mandates that all security officers remain in the city until further notice. Officials stated the move is necessary to "guarantee general security and stability" amid reports of planned political opposition movements and military mobilization in the region.

The travel ban comes as South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as "Lafta-Gareen," faces his most significant political challenge since taking office in 2018. Tensions have spiked following reports that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) summoned key military commanders from Baidoa to Mogadishu earlier this week.

Among those summoned are Col. Mohamud Shahiyow, the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for South West State, and Col. Mohamed Yarisow Adan, commander of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division.

While some officers have reportedly already reached the capital, the status of others remains unclear. Regional officials view the summons as a strategic attempt by the federal government to weaken Lafta-Gareen’s grip on the local security apparatus and embolden a burgeoning opposition movement seeking a change in leadership.

"The Ministry of Internal Security... hereby informs all aforementioned officials that as of today, March 16, 2026, they may not leave the city of Baidoa for any travel until further notice," the ministry's statement read.

The political standoff is mirrored by reports of military friction on the ground. Sources in the region indicate that opposition elements, allegedly backed by federal interests, have begun mobilizing to challenge the regional administration's authority.

Political analysts warn that the current deadlock risks escalating into an armed confrontation if a mediated solution is not reached. The move to restrict the movement of commanders is seen by observers as a desperate measure by the Baidoa administration to maintain internal cohesion and prevent the defection of its security forces to the federal side.

The federal government in Mogadishu has not yet officially commented on the travel restrictions or the reported summons of the commanders.

GAROWE ONLINE