Citizen Forum For Huddur Community and Local Administration

Introduction & Context

Huddur is the administrative capital of the Bakool region in Somalia’s Southwest State, located approximately 420 km southwest of Mogadishu and 130 km north of Baidoa. The district is composed of five urban villages—Buulow, Moorogaabey, Sheikh-aweys, Horseed, and Shiidla—each led by a village leader and committee members. The current district administration, consisting of 27 councilors, was elected in August 2022 as part of broader government efforts toward democratization and decentralization. For over a decade, Huddur has been under siege, severely restricting access to the city and internal movement, reducing the flow of food and goods to donkey carts and airlifted humanitarian aid.

The Institute for Research, Analysis, and Dialogue (IRAD) held its fifth Teledhaang citizen forum in Huddur that facilitated open and frank dialogue between the Huddur community and local administration. Participants representing women, youth, traditional elders, religious leaders, health professionals, educators, civil society organizations, and the general public posed open and candid questions to the mayor. The event was also attended by officials from the Bakool regional administration, who delivered closing remarks, commending IRAD’s role in facilitating such an important forum.

Before the forum began, members of IRAD’s board of directors, including the deputy chair, delivered opening and introductory remarks, setting the stage for the discussion. The mayor also gave brief opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of citizen forums in holding local leaders accountable to their constituents. He further recognized IRAD’s pivotal role in organizing such forums and conducting research. In his address, Dr. Abbas, a member of IRAD’s board, outlined the institute’s mission to promote interdisciplinary research and inclusive dialogue, rooted in the history and heritage of the Southwest community. “IRAD is committed to sharing the narratives of the Southwest people,” he stated. “This forum provides a platform for residents to ask questions related to their community’s needs, while looking at the bigger picture of progress.” Dr. Abbas also highlighted Huddur’s unique history and culture, which are characterized by resilience and openness despite the multifaceted challenges, including conflict and environmental stressors. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the community for their warm welcome and participation, praising the strength and resilience of the people of Huddur in the face of decades-long hardships.

Additionally, Dr. Aden, the deputy chair of IRAD’s board, shared the institute’s successes since its establishment and underscored the significance of holding the first citizen forum outside Baidoa in Huddur. He emphasized the need for local leaders to seek community-driven advice and to focus on developments that align with social needs and priorities.