Mogadishu, Somalia – As the deadline for Ethiopian troops’ withdrawal from Somalia nears, the President of Southwest State, Abdiaziz Hassan Laftagaren, has reportedly requested an extension of 15 more days for Ethiopian forces to remain in the region. Sources close to both Ethiopian troops and officials within Somalia have confirmed the request, signaling ongoing efforts by President Laftagaren to convince Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to reconsider the troop withdrawal decision.
The request comes just days before the deadline, with President Laftagaren seeking additional time to discuss the matter further with the Somali government, particularly in light of security concerns in Southwest State. Sources indicate that the president has held numerous meetings and communications with Ethiopian military commanders stationed in Baidoa, where the presence of Ethiopian troops has been a stabilizing factor for the region.
With reports suggesting that the withdrawal is imminent, the situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether President Laftagaren will return to Baidoa after the 15-day extension. Many in Southwest State are expressing concerns about the potential impact on local security, with fears of a recurrence of previous security lapses that have plagued the region.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the final decision regarding Ethiopian troops’ presence in Southwest State. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
