A prime ministerial decree indicates that the provisional government will manage crucial administrative duties, expedite discussions regarding Somalia’s intended universal suffrage electoral system, and establish the constitutional groundwork required for a durable political resolution in the region.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has named his deputy, Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, as the temporary leader of South West State following the resignation of President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagaren.
Government Spokesperson Abdinasir Ahmed Bashir announced the decision, explaining that it aims to maintain administrative continuity in the region.
Abdinasir stated that Federal Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre issued a decree appointing Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi as the Acting Leader of the South West State of Somalia.
The prime ministerial office decree specifies that the transitional administration will handle vital government operations, hasten consultations on Somalia’s proposed universal voting system, and develop the constitutional foundations necessary for a stable political agreement in the region.
This appointment comes after a recent operation by Somali federal forces, with local support, gained complete control of Baidoa, the administrative center of South West State.
South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagaren stepped down after nearly eight years in office, and the new administration is anticipated to lead the region toward the planned universal voting elections.
Security measures in Baidoa demonstrated a major change in authority that is transforming the political course of South West State. Federal forces now have complete control of the city following a sequence of coordinated actions that concluded a time of instability.
Mogadishu officials characterized the operation as part of a wider initiative to reestablish stability and implement governance reforms postponed for many years, including plans to implement direct voting for regional officials.
With security conditions improving, signs of recovery emerged rapidly. Commercial air services resumed on Tuesday, terminating a halt that continued for almost two weeks.
Aviation transport was suspended on March 18 amid escalating tensions, allowing only United Nations and African Union flights to conduct critical humanitarian and official operations.
The restoration of civilian flights is viewed as an initial sign of better conditions, enabling residents, government staff, and humanitarian workers to travel without restriction and facilitating the distribution of aid.
Baidoa is a strategic position situated approximately 246 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu and accommodates facilities for both the African Union and the United Nations.
The resumption of normal activities in the city, including airport operations, is anticipated to support governance, service provision, and political involvement as the area prepares for new leadership.
Prominent federal representatives, including Parliament Speaker Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, and Religious Affairs Minister Mukhtar Robow, have traveled to Baidoa to supervise the political transition and assess the local conditions.
Officials have highlighted that these changes might result in a more stable political climate in South West State, though they remain watchful and continue to observe security and administrative operations carefully.
Jibril now assumes responsibility for leading the region on a temporary basis. His duties involve preserving order, guaranteeing the uninterrupted operation of government services, and developing the political and legal structure required for Somalia’s inaugural universal voting elections in the state
