Somali Army Takes Baidoa, Shifts Regional Power Dynamics
On March 30, 2026, the Somali National Army (SNA) captured Baidoa, ending a two-decade Ethiopian influence. This rapid military operation signals a substantial shift in Somalia’s political landscape, enabling the federal government to consolidate power in Southwest State and prepare for future elections.
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The Somali National Army (SNA) successfully captured Baidoa on March 30, 2026, marking a significant shift in regional power dynamics that had been under Ethiopian influence for nearly 20 years. This operation involved elite Gorgor commandos and UAE-trained forces moving through 246 kilometers of Al-Shabaab territory with minimal resistance, leading to the resignation of Southwest State's president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
The capture was facilitated by prior intelligence efforts that caused divisions within Laftagareen's forces, resulting in a strategic withdrawal rather than an outright confrontation. While the takeover has logistical implications for Somalia's upcoming elections, it also raises concerns about ongoing tensions in the federal structure, particularly with Puntland and Jubbaland's opposition. The effectiveness of the SNA's recent performance may influence future military and political strategies in the region.
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