Somalia: Southwest State President Travels by Air to Besieged Bakool Region Amid Mounting Criticism

HUDUR, Somalia — Southwest State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen continues to travel to the Bakool region by air, as ground access to the area has remained cut off for nearly 15 years due to the presence of al-Shabab militants.

He met with local elders in Hudur town, Bakool regional capital, discussing humanitarian and security issues as well as development projects. But the residents are in dire need of security and the reopening of the blocked roads. 

Despite holding office since 2018, Laftagareen has failed to reopen key roads connecting the Bay and Bakool regions. Residents in both areas continue to suffer from soaring prices, severe shortages of food and water, and limited access to healthcare — all worsened by the long-standing blockade.

Al-Shabab has also restricted movement by road between Mogadishu and Baidoa, the current seat of the Southwest State administration, effectively isolating the region's leadership from the capital.

Southwest State continues to rely heavily on security support from Ethiopia, with thousands of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) deployed to protect key towns and maintain control in the face of insurgent threats.

Laftagareen’s visit to Bakool comes amid growing public frustration and political pressure over his administration’s inability to address critical humanitarian needs and restore mobility and stability across the region.

GAROWE ONLINE