MOGADISHU, Somalia — On 28 March, the South West State (SWS) of Somalia held regional elections, a move that was promptly deemed illegal by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). This political move led to a military response from the FGS, with a military convoy deploying from Buurhakaba. In reaction, SWS forces fortified their positions in and around Baidoa, situated roughly 40km distant.
The situation in Baidoa has escalated, with a significant risk of armed confrontations. Following earlier clashes between SWS forces and opposition-aligned groups from 19 to 20 March, over 45,000 individuals have been displaced. Many of these families have moved to various locations across the Bay and Bakool regions, as well as the capital, Mogadishu.
The displaced population has been further affected by secondary displacement, with an estimated 30% experiencing this after leaving initial displacement sites in Baidoa. Humanitarian partners have noted an increase in cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) among the displaced.
In response to the crisis, SWS authorities suspended all commercial and private flights from SWS airports on 18 March, granting exemptions for humanitarian operations. On 29 March, an EU Humanitarian Flight, coordinated by UNHAS, successfully evacuated 18 humanitarian staff from Baidoa. DG ECHO humanitarian partners are actively working to provide emergency assistance, with contingency plans being coordinated to address the ongoing humanitarian needs.
The gap in humanitarian access, the DSRSG/RC/HC has emphasized the need for all parties to uphold their obligations to protect civilians and ensure safe, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access. Paragraph: The escalation of political tensions and armed conflict in Somalia’s South West State underscores the ongoing complexities in the country’s political and social stability. The displaced population and the humanitarian situation call for immediate and coordinated international response and support.
Source: ECHO Daily Flash of 30 March 2026
