BAIDOA, Somalia – Newly elected members of the South West State parliament were sworn in on Saturday in a ceremony held in Baidoa, marking a key step in the regional administration’s ongoing political transition ahead of leadership elections.
The swearing-in ceremony brought together the interim leader of South West State, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, presidential candidates contesting the regional presidency, officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, traditional elders, community representatives and other dignitaries.
During the event, the lawmakers formally took the oath of office, pledging to uphold their constitutional duties and fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to them as members of the regional legislature.
Addressing the gathering, Jibril urged the newly sworn-in legislators to serve the people of South West State with integrity, transparency and a strong sense of responsibility. He called on them to prioritize efforts aimed at strengthening governance, improving security, advancing development and promoting social cohesion across the region.
The interim leader also praised the smooth conduct of the swearing-in process and commended ongoing efforts to reinforce South West State’s institutions. He stressed the importance of continuing state-building initiatives and improving the effectiveness of regional governance structures.
The inauguration of the new parliament comes at a politically significant moment for South West State, where preparations are underway for parliamentary leadership and presidential elections in the coming days.
The newly constituted legislature is expected to play a central role in the electoral process and in shaping the future direction of the regional administration, as political stakeholders seek to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of leadership.
The ceremony was held under tight security but concluded without incident, reflecting efforts by authorities to maintain stability during a critical period in South West State’s political calendar.
