REFLEXIVE PEACE PRACTICE (RPP) PROJECT

Somalia experienced a significant escalation of violence this week in the southwestern city of Baidoa. Fierce fighting between government troops and militia groups, allegedly backed by Al-Shabaab, killed dozens of combatants and at least 4 civilians, with 98 others injured. The violence was linked to political tensions over South West State's leadership and electoral process. Calm had returned by August 18, but the fighting placed additional pressure on health services already struggling to serve residents and displacement camps in the city.