FTL Somalia
SWS Madobe Inauguration

South West State Leader Meets Inauguration Committee to Finalise Ceremony Plans

BAIDOA – South West State President Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madobe), accompanied by the Speaker of the South West State Parliament, has held a meeting with the committee tasked with organising the upcoming inauguration ceremony, reviewing preparations for the official event.

The committee presented a report on the progress of preparations, covering logistical arrangements, guest reception, security measures, and other key aspects of the ceremony. President Madobe and the Speaker praised the committee’s efforts and emphasised the need to accelerate remaining tasks to ensure the ceremony is conducted smoothly and at a high standard.

The meeting also stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies and various committees to ensure the event reflects the unity and progress of South West State.

President Madobe was elected as the new president of South West State on June 10, 2026, securing a landslide victory in the regional leadership election held in Baidoa. The handover ceremony took place at the presidential palace in Baidoa, where Madobe formally assumed office from interim leader Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi.

Inauguration Preparations Underway

The inauguration ceremony is expected to be a significant event marking the formal installation of the new South West State administration. The committee is coordinating with various government agencies to ensure a successful event that projects unity and stability.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has praised former Speaker Aden Madobe for strengthening parliament and supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts, as the veteran politician prepares to assume his new post as president of South West State.

Security and Logistical Arrangements

Security measures have been a key focus of the preparations, given the political sensitivities surrounding the transition. President Madobe has previously led security meetings in Baidoa, approving new steps to strengthen security, including a ban on soldiers carrying weapons in the city without official uniforms and limits on military vehicle movements.

Context of the Political Transition

The inauguration comes amid a complex political transition in South West State. The political standoff within the Southwest State administration has expanded into the digital sphere, with former president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) seizing control of the official digital platforms from Madobe’s administration. The institutional fracturing reflects a broader pattern of political instability across several Federal Member States.

Way Forward

As the inauguration ceremony approaches, the committee’s work will be critical in ensuring a smooth and successful event that marks the formal beginning of Madobe’s tenure. The ceremony is expected to be attended by federal and regional officials, traditional leaders, and international partners, signalling the federal government’s support for the new administration in South West State.