Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The former Speaker of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, Hon. Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman, has announced that he will be leading a high-level political delegation to Baidoa, the interim administrative capital of the South West State of Somalia.
The visit, scheduled for October 21, 2025, marks a significant step in his party’s preparations for the upcoming national elections.
Speaking to the media ahead of the trip, Mohamed Mursal, who currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Development and National Unity Party, emphasized that the purpose of the visit is to officially inaugurate the party’s regional headquarters in Baidoa.
The move comes as part of the party’s broader strategy to expand its presence across the federal member states in preparation for the anticipated general elections.
“We are going to Baidoa to strengthen our political base in the South West and officially open our party’s regional office,” said Mursal. “The Development and National Unity Party has been duly registered with the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), and our constitutional rights grant us access to operate across the country without obstruction.”
However, the former Speaker expressed concern over what he described as increasing restrictions and political interference in the South West region.
He accused elements within the current South West administration of attempting to block political competition and intimidate private airline operators from facilitating opposition movements.
“There are serious challenges facing airline companies operating in the South West State. We have received reports of political threats being made against charter services for simply offering transportation to members of opposition parties,” Mursal noted. “It’s deeply troubling when party officials and citizens face such barriers despite holding all the legal documentation required to carry out political activities.”
He further alleged that political neutrality is under threat in the region, adding:
“Our certificate from the Electoral Commission grants us the right to open offices anywhere in the country. Baidoa belongs to all Somali citizens — not just one political figure or party. My party has the same rights in Baidoa as President Abdiaziz Laftagareen or any other political group.”
Mohamed Mursal’s remarks come at a time when political tensions in the South West State have been steadily escalating, with opposition parties accusing the regional leadership of suppressing democratic space and hindering the multiparty system guaranteed by the provisional constitution.
The Development and National Unity Party is among several emerging political entities seeking to position themselves as viable contenders in Somalia’s next general elections.
As the federal government and electoral institutions work toward finalizing the framework for the upcoming polls, the actions of regional administrations—particularly regarding access to political space—are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Observers will be watching closely to see whether the South West administration upholds political freedoms and facilitates a fair environment for all parties to campaign and engage with their constituencies.