Background Over the past fortnight, mounting political discord and conflict between Somalia’s Federal Government and SouthWest State authorities have substantially heightened insecurity in Baidoa. With the dispute worsening, both sides deployed military personnel throughout the area. On March 30, 2026, federal troops took control of Baidoa, the focal point of the political conflict. Despite no major armed confrontations occurring, the withdrawal of state forces and the relatively peaceful transition created sustained apprehension about potential combat, leading to preemptive displacement of large populations.