Somalia’s federal government has suspended flights to Baidoa, the interim capital of South West state, amid escalating tensions with the regional administration.
No flights departed for Baidoa on Tuesday following the suspension, affecting officials and civilians traveling to the Bay region for government or personal business.
Only United Nations and cargo flights are allowed to operate in Baidoa due to humanitarian needs linked to severe drought conditions, sources said.
South West state announced severing ties with Mogadishu, accusing the federal government of military mobilization and attempting to remove President Abdiaziz Laftagareen.
Authorities in South West alleged federal troops have been deployed across the state to provoke conflict, claims that federal officials have yet to publicly respond.
This is the third regional state cutting ties with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over disputed constitutional changes and proposed election reforms nationwide.
