By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
BAIDOA, Somalia, July 6, 2026 — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Sunday that no one can govern the Somali people without their democratic mandate, declaring that Somalia has moved beyond the era of political appointments.
The President made the remarks during the inauguration of Aden Mohamed Nur, widely known as Aden Madoobe, as the leader of South West State, 26 days after he won the regional leadership election in Baidoa on June 10.
The ceremony, held at the South West State Presidential Palace, was attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, leaders of Hirshabelle and North East State, the Governor of the Banadir Regional Administration and other senior federal and regional officials.
In his inaugural address, Aden Madoobe pledged to prioritize development, strengthen public services, improve security and accelerate economic growth across the region.
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“The era of political appointments is over. No one can govern the Somali people without their mandate,” President Hassan Sheikh said.
He said Somalia’s democratic transition requires leaders to derive their legitimacy from the will of the people through elections rather than political appointments.
Aden Madoobe became the third leader of South West State, succeeding Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen”, who resigned after months of political tensions between his administration and the Federal Government.