Baidoa (WDN) – Confusion and political controversy have erupted following the inauguration of Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madoobe) as the new leader of South West State, with many questioning his legitimacy even as he issued his first public appeal for peace and reconciliation.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by senior federal and regional officials, was intended to mark the beginning of a new administration. Instead, it immediately became the focus of renewed political dispute.

Opponents contend that Aden Madoobe owes his position to the backing of former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, rather than to a genuinely competitive political process. They point to remarks made during the ceremony by the Speaker of the South West Parliament, who stated that Aden Madoobe had been chosen with the support of the former president rather than elected directly by the people.

Despite the controversy surrounding his inauguration, Aden Madoobe used his address to call for an end to the fighting in and around Baidoa. He urged all sides to resolve their differences through dialogue and warned against allowing political disagreements to fuel conflict among the people of South West State.

His appeal, however, was met with skepticism from opponents loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), who argue that he lacks the political mandate to speak on behalf of the region. They maintain that armed clashes involving forces loyal to Laftagareen and federal troops continue in areas around and in Baidoa, although the circumstances and scale of the fighting remain contested.

Critics also interpreted Aden Madoobe’s peace message as an appeal for Laftagareen’s supporters to lay down their arms and accept the authority of the new administration. Supporters of the new leadership, however, are likely to view the remarks as a broader call for reconciliation and stability.

Security surrounding the inauguration reflected the tense security atmosphere. Witnesses reported an extensive security presence across Baidoa, while local sources said Turkish F16 military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles were active over the city during the ceremony. The purpose and operators of those aircraft have been to stop the Abdiasiis forces to disrupt the inauguration ceremony.

The heightened security underscored widespread concerns that violence could disrupt the inauguration, highlighting the fragile political and security environment in Baidabo, South West State.

Political observers note that, rather than closing a contentious chapter, the inauguration appears to have deepened divisions over the legitimacy of the region’s leadership. With rival political camps continuing to advance sharply different narratives, prospects for reconciliation remain uncertain, even as calls for dialogue grow louder. 

WardheerNews