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President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially appointed Bilan Bile Mahmoud as the new Secretary-General of the Banadir Regional Administration. She replaces Faysal Arale Afrah, who had served in the role since 2023.
The appointment was confirmed on Monday during a handover ceremony held at Mogadishu City Hall. Banadir Governor and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, oversaw the transition and praised both the incoming and outgoing officials.
Addressing Mahmoud, Mayor Muungaab said, “Your leadership is needed to move the office forward.” He urged her to speed up administrative work and focus on critical development projects that will shape the future of the region.
As Secretary-General, Mahmoud will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Banadir Regional Administration. This body manages Mogadishu and its surrounding districts, making it one of the most important local government institutions in Somalia. The role is considered highly influential and central to local governance.
Bilan Mahmoud is one of the few women in Somali history to hold such a senior leadership position in Banadir. She has previously worked as a senior adviser in local government and has played an active role in reforming municipal services. Her background and experience are seen as strong assets as she takes on this demanding role.
The ceremony drew attendance from several government ministers, members of parliament, senior civil servants, and staff from the regional administration. Their presence signaled strong political and institutional support for Mahmoud’s appointment.
Faysal Arale, the outgoing Secretary-General, confirmed that he had been relieved of his duties earlier that day. According to him, he was informed of the decision while attending another event in Mogadishu. No official explanation was given for his removal from the position. Despite the abrupt transition, Arale received public thanks for his service during his tenure.
The Banadir Regional Administration plays a key role in implementing federal government policies in Mogadishu. It is responsible for managing city services, coordinating humanitarian operations, and driving urban development in Somalia’s capital — one of the country’s most densely populated and politically important regions.
Mahmoud takes over the role at a time when Mogadishu is facing several challenges, including rapid population growth, security concerns, and the need for improved public services. Expectations are high that she will bring fresh energy and ideas to the office, continuing efforts to modernize city administration and improve daily life for residents.
With her appointment, Mahmoud not only brings experience and leadership but also represents progress toward gender inclusion in Somali politics. Her new role offers an opportunity to demonstrate how women can effectively lead in top positions within Somali governance structures.
Her focus in the coming weeks will likely center on assessing current operations, identifying priority areas for reform, and collaborating closely with both local and federal stakeholders. The Somali public and international partners will be watching closely to see how this leadership change impacts the pace of development and the quality of governance in Mogadishu.
In summary, Bilan Bile Mahmoud’s appointment marks a significant step for both the Banadir Regional Administration and for women in leadership roles in Somalia. Her leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of Mogadishu at a time of great need and potential.