Political and security developments are unfolding in Buurhakaba district of Somalia’s Bay region, amid reports of increasing tensions between local authorities and the leadership of South West State, headed by President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Lafta-Gareen.”

Local sources indicate that district authorities and security officials in Buurhakaba have recently distributed weapons and military uniforms to units of the district’s Darawish forces. The units had reportedly been undergoing training within the town in recent weeks.

During a meeting with the forces, district officials urged the troops to remain prepared to safeguard the security of the district and to continue operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab, as well as any actors they described as posing a threat to the stability of Buurhakaba.

The developments come at a time of reported political disagreement between the Buurhakaba district administration and senior leadership within the South West State government. Some district officials have accused the regional administration of neglecting the district and failing to adequately address the needs of its residents.

Meanwhile, reports also indicate that additional forces previously stationed in Buurhakaba were provided with new weapons and uniforms earlier today. According to local accounts, some of these forces are believed to have aligned themselves with groups opposing the South West State administration.