President Mohamud, PM Barre Join Leaders in Baidoa for Southwest State’s Inauguration

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA: Federal Government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in Baidoa to attend the inauguration of Southwest State President Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Aadan Madobe), joining Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and other senior leaders in a gathering that underscores efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and regional administrations.

The president was received at Baidoa Airport by Aadan Madobe, alongside senior federal and Southwest State officials.

Earlier, Prime Minister Barre also arrived in the regional capital at the head of a federal government delegation to participate in the ceremony, which has drawn representatives from several Federal Member States, senior government officials and lawmakers.

The inauguration is expected to be one of Somalia’s largest political gatherings in recent months, bringing together leaders from across the country’s federal system at a time when relations between Mogadishu and regional administrations remain central to national politics.

Security was tightened across Baidoa ahead of the event, deploying additional security personnel and introducing heightened measures to safeguard visiting dignitaries and residents during the celebrations.

Aadan Madobe’s inauguration follows his election as president of Southwest State last month and comes as Somalia continues to navigate key political milestones, including constitutional reforms, electoral preparations and efforts to improve coordination between the Federal Government and its member states.

The ceremony also takes place against the backdrop of ongoing military operations against the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, with Southwest State remaining one of the regions most affected by the insurgency. Political leaders are expected to use the gathering to reaffirm their commitment to closer cooperation on governance, security and state-building as Somalia seeks to consolidate recent gains and address persistent political and security challenges.

Senior officials and delegations from across Somalia are expected to remain in Baidoa throughout the inauguration events, which are being closely watched as a barometer of relations between the federal government and regional administrations.