By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 2 April 2026 Somalia’s federal government has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi as interim leader of South West State, according to a decree issued by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday.
The appointment, effective April 1, is intended to ensure continuity of governance, security and public services following recent political changes in the regional administration.
The decree states that the interim leader will oversee the administration during the transition period until a formally elected leadership is in place.
“The appointment is aimed at ensuring the continuity of governance, maintaining political stability, security and public order, and safeguarding the public interest,” the decree said.
It added that the interim administration will be responsible for advancing consultations and preparing for a one-person, one-vote electoral process in South West state.
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The decree also instructs federal and regional institutions, as well as international partners, to cooperate with the interim leadership and ensure that ongoing government activities and humanitarian operations continue without disruption.
“All federal and regional institutions are instructed to work with the interim leadership to ensure the implementation of this decree,” it said.
The move follows the resignation of South West state President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” amid heightened political tensions in the region.