The information minister of Southwest State, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Bilaal, has strongly denied reports of armed skirmishes in Baidoa last night, as circulated on social media. In an interview with local media, he stated that the situation in Baidoa is calm and business is proceeding as usual. While there were reports of mortars being fired at the Southwest state military base and troops responding with fire, the minister clarified that he is currently in the heart of the town and no gunfire was heard. He refuted claims of armed groups attacking the security forces of Southwest state, accusing groups in Mogadishu of spreading false information and propaganda to create fear and confusion. The minister also mentioned that the Southwest state president is currently in Makkah performing Umrah, and that the relationship between the regional authority and central government is normal with no political tension. However, there have been reports of an intensifying conflict between the federal government and Southwest state, leading to speculation of a potential collapse in their relationship.
