President Mohamud Praises Aden Madobe as Former Speaker Takes South West Role

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has praised former Speaker of the House of the People Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, commonly known as Aden Madobe, for his role in strengthening parliament and supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts, as the veteran politician prepares to take up his new position as president of South West State.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu, attended by senior government officials, lawmakers and political leaders, President Mohamud described parliament as a vital institution in safeguarding the constitution and advancing democratic governance in Somalia.

He commended Aden Madobe’s leadership during his tenure as speaker, saying he had played an important role in fostering cooperation between state institutions and improving the performance of the legislature during a period of significant political and constitutional developments.

The ceremony comes at a pivotal moment for Somalia, which is navigating a contentious debate over constitutional amendments and proposed electoral reforms aimed at introducing a one-person, one-vote system after decades of indirect elections based on a clan power-sharing model.

Addressing the gathering, President Mohamud said Somalia had entered what he described as a constitutional electoral process, which he said reflected the country’s growing democratic maturity and commitment to expanding public participation in governance.

The president’s remarks are likely to resonate within Somalia’s ongoing political discourse, where the federal government has championed electoral reforms as a step towards democratization, while some opposition groups and regional leaders have questioned both the process and the timing of the proposed changes.

Aden Madobe’s departure from the speakership follows his recent election as president of South West State, one of Somalia’s federal member states. His election marked the conclusion of a transitional administration that had overseen preparations for the state’s electoral process.

A seasoned political figure, Aden Madobe has occupied several senior positions in Somalia’s government over the past two decades, including multiple terms as speaker of parliament. His return to regional leadership is expected to keep him at the centre of Somalia’s political landscape.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, cabinet ministers, members of parliament and other dignitaries attended the farewell event, where speakers paid tribute to Aden Madobe’s service and wished him success in leading South West State.

The event also highlighted the close links between Somalia’s federal institutions and regional administrations at a time when the country faces major decisions on governance, security and the future shape of its electoral system.