The Federal Government of Somalia has said that talks are underway to peacefully disarm and resolve the status of forces aligned with former South West regional leader Abdiaziz Laftagareen who are reportedly based outside the city of Baidoa.
In a government statement, officials said there have been no outcomes from fighting carried out for personal or external interests, and they urged young people in the outskirts of Baidoa to surrender to security forces.
The statement also stressed that the government will not allow illegal weapons to be used to destabilize security in the South West regions, calling for strict respect for the law.
These efforts come amid continuing dialogue with Laftagareen-aligned forces, following reports that over 100 fighters surrendered to security institutions on the previous day. Among them was the former head of Awdiinle district in Bay region, Ibrahim Kalay.
According to the statement, the fighters arrived with combat vehicles and weapons and formally handed them over to the Federal Government and to the recognized administration led by Adan Madobe.
The developments follow a period in which Laftagareen-aligned forces have carried out repeated attacks on Baidoa since they were removed at the end of March this year.
Mustaqbal
