The South West State Council for Peace, Unity and Development has initiated mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing political dispute in South West State. The council, comprising of diverse representatives from South West society, including religious scholars, businesspeople, women, and youth, aims to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This move comes after several rounds of fighting in Baidoa between forces loyal to rival factions. The council's efforts focus on promoting peace and stability in the region.
The council has held meetings with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations from South West State and members of the South West diaspora community in Nairobi. These meetings aimed to brief the public on the council's mediation efforts and garner support for the peace process. Council members emphasized their independence from the competing political factions and their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. They also stressed the importance of a credible, mutually agreed legal framework in resolving the dispute.
The council has met with key leaders, including South West leader Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe in Baidoa between August 29 and September 7, 2026. They also held meetings with former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen in Nairobi on September 18 and 19. During these meetings, both sides were urged to prioritize peace and resolve the dispute through dialogue. The council's primary focus is on securing a ceasefire, which they believe is essential for opening dialogue and moving forward.
A council member emphasized that the most critical issue is the ceasefire, which would pave the way for further negotiations. They acknowledged that much work remains to be done but expressed optimism about the progress made so far. The council has received support from South West communities inside Somalia and abroad, who are calling for an end to the conflict. These communities have urged all parties to participate in initiatives aimed at promoting peace.
Mohamed Abdi Nur, a member of the council, stated that the group would continue its mediation efforts and meetings with stakeholders involved in the South West State dispute. The council's initiative is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the conflict and promoting stability in the region. The dispute has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, and the council's efforts aim to address these issues.
The conflict in South West State has been ongoing, with several rounds of fighting reported in Baidoa. The fighting has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with many civilians affected. The council's efforts aim to address these humanitarian concerns and promote peace and stability in the region. The council's mediation efforts have been welcomed by various stakeholders, who are hopeful that a peaceful resolution can be achieved.
The council's mediation efforts are ongoing, with meetings planned with various stakeholders in the coming weeks. The council remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute and promoting stability in South West State. Key stakeholders, including the international community, have welcomed the council's initiative and expressed support for the peace process.
Key points
- The South West State Council for Peace, Unity and Development has begun mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing political dispute in South West State.
- The council has met with key leaders, including Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe and Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
- The council's primary focus is on securing a ceasefire, which they believe is essential for opening dialogue and moving forward.
