Somalia: PM appoints caretaker leader for Southwest state after Lafta-Gareen ouster

Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi will lead Southwest state until election

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has issued a decree appointing a caretaker leader for the Southwest state administration amid ongoing political developments, officials said. 

Under the order, Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi will serve in the role for an unspecified period until a former president is elected. The mandate includes advancing preparations for one-person, one-vote elections in the regional state. 

The appointment comes as reports indicate Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel on Thursday to Baidoa, the interim capital of the Southwest state, where political consultations are anticipated. 

The move follows the recent ouster of Southwest regional President Abdulaziz Hassan Mohamed Lafta-Gareen, after days of mounting political tension and clashes involving rival forces in and around Baidoa. Officials said the caretaker arrangement is intended to manage the transition period and pave the way for a new regional leadership.

The Southwest state has been at the center of a political standoff in recent days, with federal authorities emphasizing the need for an interim administration to oversee stability and prepare for elections.

GAROWE ONLINE