Somalia's South West State leader seeks Ethiopian military support

The leader of Somalia’s South West State has formally requested military support from Ethiopia amidst rising tensions in the city of Baidoa. The request comes as the region faces ongoing security challenges. Madobe assumed control of the South West State administration in March after Somali federal forces seized Baidoa. That operation forced the former leader, Laftagareen, out of office and into exile. The previous takeover was triggered by a protracted political dispute between Laftagareen and the federal government regarding regional leadership and proposed constitutional changes.