Prime Minister appoints Jibril Abdirashid as caretaker President of South West Adminstration

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre under a decree appoints Jibril Abdirashid to be in charge of the regional administration until a formal president is elected.

Somalia’s newly appointed caretaker president of South West State, Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi has today arrived in Baidoa to a warm reception from federal and regional officials.

Jibril , a veteran politician who previously served as Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and a member of the Federal Parliament is tasked with steering the state through the transition period.

According to reports, his brief includes a clear mandate to advance preparations for one-person, one-vote elections in South West State.

Federal and regional leaders joined Baidoa residents in welcoming the caretaker president, signaling broad institutional support for the interim arrangement.

The ceremony underscored efforts to maintain stability and continuity of governance while the state prepares for a formal electoral process.

The appointment follows heightened political activity in the city: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the federal government is reported to visit Baidoa.

His expected trip highlights the federal government’s close involvement in the transition and its interest in ensuring the region’s peaceful progress toward elections.

Jibril’s temporary tenure will remain in effect for an unspecified period, with timelines tied to preparations for the formal presidential vote.

Observers say the caretaker period will be crucial for strengthening election logistics, security coordination and confidence among local stakeholders ahead of one-person, one-vote polls.

Mustaqbal