Baidoa(WDN) – The newly nominated Interim Leader of the South West State administration, Jibril Abdirashid Haji—who also serves as Somalia’s Second Deputy Prime Minister arrived in Baidoa, the administrative capital of the state. His appointment by Villa Somalia on April 1, 2026, followed the capture of the interim capital by federal government forces from the local administration.
Jibril’s appointment comes in the aftermath of the defeat of forces loyal to President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, who subsequently fled to Nairobi, Kenya. However, the appointment of Mr. Jibril Abdirashid as Interim Leader made by decree of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre contravenes Somalia’s federal framework and the Provisional Constitution governing the relationship between federal and state authorities.
Jibril said to serve as the highest authority in Southwest State on an interim basis until a new leadership structure—comprising a president, parliament speaker, and council of ministers—is formed.
The interim leader and other officials are expected to hold meetings in Baidoa with all current Southwest State authorities and senior security commanders to discuss the continuation of government operations. This follows an announcement made yesterday by the Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Sheikh Adan Madoobe, stating that all officials in Southwest State should continue in their roles until a new administration is established.
Also, Several of Somalia’s top security officials arrived in Baidoa earlier this morning, where they received a warm welcome from local authorities.
The officials include the Commander of the Somali National Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud; the Police Commissioner, General Asad Abdullahi Osman; the Commander of the Navy and Coast Guard, Admiral Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar; and the Chairman of the First Instance Military Court, Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute.
These senior officers, along with other officials who have reached Baidoa, are part of an advance delegation ahead of a visit by the President of Somalia, who is expected to arrive in the city shortly.
WardheerNews
