BIADOA–On Monday, the Internal Security Minister of Southwest State issued a new directive informing all military officers that they are banned from leaving Baidoa on a trip until further notice. The press statement released by the Internal Security Ministry stated that this order has been imposed on officers in order to ensure the security and stability of all regions in Southwest State. The statement added that the Internal Security Ministry, in fulfilling its responsibility for security and stability in the Southwest State region, is informing all officers, starting from today, March 16th, 2026, that they are not authorized to leave on a trip during this time when security will be ensured. The statement went on to say that all officers mentioned in the directive are required to abide by the statement until another official statement is released by the ministry. There are reports that the Somali Federal Government has summoned all military officers to arrive in Mogadishu within a week. Some officers have already arrived in Mogadishu, while others are expected to arrive soon. The officers summoned by the Somali Federal Government include Colonel Mohamed Shahiyow, the Commander of Intelligence and Security in Southwest State, and Colonel Mohamed Yarisow Adan, the Commander of the 60th Division of the Somali National Army (SNA). On Monday, the leadership of the health department of the Special Police Force in Southwest State informed private hospitals that they are not authorized to treat injured individuals without official consent from security agencies and the health leadership of the Special Police Force. All private hospitals were instructed to register all personal information of patients receiving treatment. The health leadership emphasized that any private hospital that violates this directive and treats an injured person will face consequences according to the laws of Southwest State. This order was released in order to strengthen security, prevent acts of destabilization, and maintain law and order. Finally, the health department of the Special Police Force urged private hospitals to comply with the new directive.
