Event Summary
On the 5 February 2026, Baydhabo, a key city for civil society organizations (CSOs) and humanitarian actors in Somalia, experienced a sudden escalation of armed clashes. Fighting occurred between Southwest State security forces and factions loyal to a Somali National Army commander, affecting multiple districts including Onodka and Cali Amxaar. Reports indicate that the clashes led to disruptions in urban movement and limited access to public spaces.
The ongoing insecurity has constrained the operational environment for CSOs. Organizations face difficulties in reaching communities due to blocked roads, unpredictable security conditions, and restricted communications. Coordination between local and international organizations has also been interrupted, affecting the planning and delivery of humanitarian and civic programs. Civilian displacement has further complicated the situation, with people leaving neighbourhoods affected by fighting. Movement restrictions and communication outages have made engagement with the local population challenging, reducing the capacity of CSOs to operate effectively. These factors have significantly restricted the civic space in Baydhabo, limiting safe assembly, coordination, and program implementation.
At present, the situation remains fluid. Armed clashes continue, and there is no clear timeline for stabilization. The insecurity presents ongoing risks to the enabling environment for civil society and humanitarian operations, highlighting the need for early warning measures and support to maintain operational access in the city.