Baidoa, Somalia – On July 14, 2024, the Institute for Research Analysis and Dialogue and the Heritage Institute co-hosted a pivotal forum titled “Understanding District Council Formation in Southwest Somalia” at Horyaal Hotel, Baidoa. The event provided a platform for government officials, traditional elders, women’s representatives, civil society leaders, researchers, and local community members to deliberate on the district council formation process within the Southwest State of Somalia.

Following the Quranic recitations, Mr. Yasir Mohamed Ahmed, Executive Director of the IRAD Institute, and Dr. Uweis Ali, Deputy Executive Director of Research at the Heritage Institute, delivered opening remarks highlighting the critical need for fostering transparent, inclusive, and sustainable local governance through open and inclusive dialogue.

The forum featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Mr. Omar Mustafa, Director-General of the Ministry of Information – Southwest State. Panelists included government officials and civil society leaders who addressed the achievements, challenges, and next steps in the ongoing decentralization and governance reforms.