AMISOM Welcomes the Formation of an Interim Southwest Administration in Somalia

Mogadishu – November 19, 2014: The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia – Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou – welcomes the formation of the Interim Southwest Administration in Somalia, and subsequent election of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as its interim leader.

The Interim Southwest Administration brings together three regions namely Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle under the country’s Federal system.

Delegates from the three regions have been meeting in Baidoa in a reconciliation conference endorsed by the national government and supported by various regional and international partners. The conference is part of myriad efforts to help set up an inclusive administration that will spearhead ongoing stabilization efforts in Somalia.

373 delegates – out of 396 – elected former parliamentary speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan on Monday (November 17, 2014) as the administration’s leader for a period of 4 years.

“We are pleased to hear the people of Southwestern Somalia have joined hands and elected Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan. This is an important step in the realization of peace and stability in Somalia, which is actually our main mandate as AMISOM. I also wish to commend AMISOM forces in Baidoa who have provided a conducive environment for these elections – and the reconciliation conference as whole – to proceed without fear. It has resulted in renewed hope for the people of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle,” Ambassador Sidikou said.