Nairobi September 13, 2023 (SD) – A three-day conference attended by potential presidential candidates from the South West State of Somalia has concluded in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. The conference also saw the participation of other high-ranking officials from the country.

A communique released after the conference calls for the immediate establishment of the 3rd Federal Parliamentary Committee for the Election of regional MPs, with the stipulation that its members should be individuals with no political affiliation and should have been selected impartially, considering the need for a timely election process.

The communique further urges the Federal Government of Somalia to take responsibility for implementing and executing the Baydhabo Agreement, which was signed by the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, and the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Mr. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madoobe).

The candidates announced that, starting from November 1, 2023, the administration of South West State have no more control than those who are running for office, and there will be no hindrance to the progress of electoral activities that belong to the rights of other candidates. The administration and management of the electoral process will be in the hands of the Federal Ministry of Interior and traditional elders from various clans and segments of society, by the Baidoa Agreement.

Finally, the South West State candidates condemned the pressures placed on the traditional elders responsible for selecting the State MPs.

It’s worth noting that the tenure of President Abdiasis Laftagareen came to an end last year, but was extended to November 2023, following a political agreement reached in Baidoa.