Newly selected members of the third parliament of South West State were officially sworn in on Saturday in Baidoa, marking a significant step in the regional administration’s electoral process despite mounting opposition and escalating tensions.
A total of 95 lawmakers took the oath of office during a ceremony attended by members of the electoral commission that announced their selection, alongside senior officials from the regional administration. The swearing-in paves the way for the parliament to formally commence its legislative functions.
Following the ceremony, the newly inaugurated lawmakers elected Hassan Abdi Noor Aalbaro as interim speaker. He is expected to appoint a parliamentary committee tasked with organizing the election of the permanent leadership of the house in the coming days.
However, the development unfolds against a backdrop of deep political divisions. Both the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition figures from the region have rejected the legitimacy of the selection process, raising concerns over inclusivity and legal compliance.
The regional leadership has maintained that it will proceed simultaneously with electoral activities and security operations, citing the need to safeguard the administration. In recent days, additional troops have reportedly been deployed to areas surrounding Baidoa to counter potential threats from rival factions.
The situation underscores a broader political standoff between federal authorities and regional leaders, with analysts warning that parallel political processes and military mobilization could heighten the risk of confrontation if dialogue efforts fail.
Further developments are expected as the newly formed parliament moves toward electing its full leadership while tensions across the region remain unresolved.
Mustaqbal
