BAIDOA — A delegation led by former Somali Lower House Speaker Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman arrived in Baidoa on Thursday as political tensions continued to simmer in South West State.
The delegation travelled to the regional capital as part of efforts to encourage dialogue and help reduce political tensions ahead of a planned reconciliation forum expected to bring together politicians and other stakeholders.
South West State President Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe received the delegation at the presidential palace in Baidoa.
According to officials, discussions focused on the political and security situation in South West State, state-building efforts, political consultations, and ways to strengthen social unity and cohesion.
President Aden Madobe thanked Mohamed Mursal and members of his delegation for travelling to Baidoa and participating in efforts aimed at promoting reconciliation. He also welcomed the involvement of Somali political leaders, politicians, traditional elders, religious scholars and other members of society in efforts to de-escalate tensions and encourage dialogue.
The visit comes as political efforts intensify to ease tensions in Baidoa, with attention increasingly focused on a planned reconciliation conference expected to take place in the city.
The proposed forum could provide an opportunity for rival political actors to engage in dialogue and discuss the differences surrounding the political situation in South West State.
Baidoa has previously experienced armed confrontations involving forces associated with former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and forces aligned with the South West State administration, adding to concerns over the potential for further political and security tensions.
The latest initiative is therefore being closely watched as an attempt to create space for political dialogue and reduce the risk of renewed confrontation.
