Larry André Criticizes Somalia Government Over Baidoa Fighting

What changed

Former U.S. Ambassador Larry André has sharply criticized Somalia’s federal government over fighting in Baidoa, accusing it of using national security forces in its political confrontation with South West State authorities and opposition factions.

André, who served as ambassador from 2022 to 2023, called for international pressure on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, an end to hostilities and a return to political dialogue. The clashes have displaced more than 5,600 people, according to an early-October UNHCR report.

Why it matters

Baidoa’s crisis is no longer only a political standoff. It is already pushing families from their homes and cutting them off from food, water, shelter, medical supplies and basic services. Families fleeing the fighting are abandoning assets, livestock and livelihoods, while children, pregnant women, older people and malnourished people face the greatest risks.

André’s central warning is that military pressure cannot settle a dispute between Mogadishu and South West State. If the fighting continues, displacement and humanitarian needs are likely to grow, while access for aid operations becomes harder.

The most serious allegation concerns claims that Turkish F-16s carried out airstrikes in parts of South West State. Those claims remain unverified. If confirmed, they would make independent investigations into who carried out the strikes, where they hit and whether civilians were harmed especially important.