By Asma Mohamud - Reporter
Somalia, Aug. 1, 2026 – South West State will soon appoint a reconciliation committee to help advance peace and resolve community disputes, Interior Minister Abdirahman Ibrahim Aden said on Saturday after a meeting between President Sheikh Aden Nur ‘Madoobe’ and traditional elders.
The meeting, held at the presidential palace in Baidoa, brought together traditional elders, members of the regional cabinet and parliamentary leadership to discuss strengthening reconciliation efforts, which the government says are a cornerstone of its political agenda.
Speaking after the meeting, Aden said participants agreed to accelerate reconciliation initiatives and confirmed that President Madoobe had approved the establishment of a committee that would begin work in the near future.
"The president confirmed that the committee will be appointed soon," the minister said, adding that it would coordinate reconciliation efforts across the state in cooperation with traditional elders and government institutions.
He said reconciliation remained one of the regional government's key priorities and would be implemented as part of the 2026–2030 Transformation Plan, which aims to strengthen governance, peacebuilding and social cohesion.
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In a separate statement, the presidency said discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the government and traditional elders, whose role in mediating clan disputes and promoting stability was described as essential to lasting peace and state-building.
President Madoobe thanked the elders for their contribution to maintaining peace and stability and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to working closely with them to strengthen reconciliation efforts throughout the region, the statement said.
Traditional elders welcomed the initiative and pledged to continue supporting government efforts to resolve disputes, promote community unity and reinforce state institutions.
The reconciliation initiative comes as South West State seeks to address longstanding local disputes and strengthen governance through greater engagement with traditional leaders.