Local council and parliamentary elections, based on a 'one person, one vote' system, commenced in several districts of Somalia’s South West State, marking the first direct electoral process in 60 years.

The Somali national army has taken control of parts of Baidoa, the largest city in the South West state, with federal troops now in control of areas within the city.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep concern over recent developments in South West State of the Federal Republic of Somalia, urging all…