Saturday July 11, 2026
Baidoa (AX) — Southwest State President Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe on Friday unveiled a refreshed Council of Ministers as his administration grapples with political and military pressure from former leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, who still insists he is the rightful head of the regional government.
A presidential decree issued from the Southwest State palace appointed Isaaq Mohamed Isaaq as minister of internal security and named Hussein Mohamed Haji as minister of finance.
Abdulqadir Omar Abdullahi Baasto was named minister of planning, investment and economic development, while Mohamed Osman Mohamed will lead the fisheries and blue economy portfolio.
Fahad Mohamed Hussein was appointed minister of posts, communications and technology.
The decree also tapped Nur Siidow Baabaa to serve as minister of information and public awareness, Abdulqadir Sharif Sheikhunaa Maye as minister of health and social welfare, and Mohamed Osman Haji Jiidoow as minister of education, culture and higher education.
Sahra Osman Ahmed was designated minister of women, family affairs and human rights.
The order further filled a number of state minister and deputy minister posts across the Southwest State administration.
The cabinet reshuffle arrives amid a split in Southwest State following Laftagareen’s exit from Baidoa.
Laftagareen continues to declare himself the legitimate leader even as Madobe’s government moves to solidify control and assemble a working regional administration.
Local political sources say tensions have intensified since federal forces entered Baidoa and Laftagareen stepped down and departed for Kenya.
Observers warn the rivalry risks undermining stability in Southwest State, where competing claims to authority could hamper security operations and governance efforts.
