The president of Somalia's South West state, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, accused the federal government of carrying out a "blatant invasion " of the state after clashes erupted between regional forces and local opposition fighters linked to the federal government near Baidoa on March 19, Hiiraan News reported on March 22. Thereafter, the federal government announced on March 22 that Laftagareen's term as South West state president had expired and that it would now oversee the selection of a new regional leadership.

Until recently, Laftagareen was a close ally of President Mohamud, but disagreements over recent constitutional reforms and upcoming elections abruptly terminated their partnership. Local opposition forces in South West state have claimed that Laftagareen's term expired in December 2023, and pro-federal government forces captured the town of Barawe, South West state's de jure capital, the week of March 16. Secretary of the Justice and Solidarity Party, Abdirahman Odowaa, expressed on March 19 his intent to run for the presidency, showcasing growing divisions within the ruling party.