In Baidoa, the capital of South West State, residents woke to the sound of explosions and gunfire as armed factions clashed amid escalating political tensions. Early reports indicate that rival militias, each backing different political factions, exchanged fire in the city’s commercial district, causing widespread damage and forcing emergency services to evacuate civilians. Local officials have called for calm and urged the federal government to intervene, while opposition leaders accuse each other of orchestrating the violence to destabilize the region. The incident underscores the fragile security situation in South West State as the region approaches a critical election period.
Explosions and gunfire rock Baidoa as armed groups strike during South West State's political tensions.
