By Hassan Adan
MOGADISHU- The African Union and the United Nations have raised alarm over escalating tensions and clashes in Somalia’s Southwest state, warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis after tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes.
Nearly 45,000 people have been displaced by recent violence around Baidoa, according to the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, George Conway, who cautioned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
Families have fled to areas with limited access to basic services and humanitarian aid, compounding an already fragile situation driven by years of conflict and severe drought.
“I am deeply concerned that those affected include some of the most vulnerable people,” Conway said, noting that about 30% of those newly displaced were already living in camps for internally displaced persons before the latest clashes.
He added that many of the affected families had been struggling with the cumulative effects of severe drought, leaving them with little capacity to cope with renewed displacement.
Women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities are among those facing heightened protection risks and worsening living conditions on the outskirts of Baidoa, a city already under strain from a large displaced population.
“I call on all sides to guarantee the protection of civilians, ensure the free movement of people, and allow safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need,” Conway said.
He warned that without urgent intervention, conditions in Baidoa—home to an estimated 430,000 displaced people—could deteriorate further.
“If immediate action is not taken, the humanitarian situation will worsen significantly,” he added.
Separately, the African Union urged Somali leaders to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue, warning that the ongoing tensions risk undermining stability in the Horn of Africa nation.
The AU expressed concern that the standoff between Somalia’s federal government and the Southwest regional administration could escalate into wider conflict if not contained.
“All parties must exercise maximum restraint and prioritize peaceful engagement,” the AU said in a statement, emphasizing the need to safeguard national unity and avoid actions that could inflame the situation.
The tensions are linked to broader political disputes over governance and electoral processes, which have strained relations between Mogadishu and some federal member states.
Recent troop movements and rival political actions have heightened fears of confrontation in and around Baidoa, a key humanitarian hub.
Somalia has faced recurring cycles of political instability, armed conflict and climate-related crises, leaving millions dependent on aid.
Analysts warn that the current standoff could further stretch already limited humanitarian resources unless de-escalation efforts succeed
