Baidoa(Mogadishu24)-Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, alongside Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Lafta-gareen, held a crucial meeting with community leaders and elders of Southwest State in Baidoa city Thursday.

The discussions focused on strengthening national unity following recent tensions in the region, where residents and federal parliamentarians supported Ethiopia’s involvement in contrast to the federal government’s proposal to include Egypt in the new AU mission.

The meeting emphasized the role of traditional leaders in fostering peace, reconciliation, and resolving community disputes, particularly in Southwest State.

Prime Minister Barre praised the elders for their critical role in state-building and protecting Somalia’s unity, urging them to continue their support for federalism and national stability.