On September 26, 2026, in Beledweyne, Somalia, a significant event unfolded as former National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe expressed his support for a peaceful demonstration. The protest was against the planned Hirshabelle elections, which Sanbaloolshe described as an expression of public will and grievances. He commended the diverse group of participants, including lawmakers, politicians, traditional elders, women, and youth.
The protest in Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan, drew hundreds of residents, politicians, and community elders. They demanded a political agreement before proceeding with voting in the Hiiraan region. The demonstration followed days of consultations among Hawadle politicians and traditional elders, who rejected holding elections in Hiiraan without a broader agreement on political representation and power-sharing within Hirshabelle.
Sanbaloolshe praised the people of Hiiraan for peacefully expressing their position, emphasizing that rejecting injustice was both a religious and moral obligation. He encouraged the protesters, stating that their voice had reached Somalis and the rest of the world. According to Sanbaloolshe, the struggle to seek justice requires patience, unity, and resilience.
The protesters gathered in various parts of Beledweyne, carrying messages opposing an election process they believed lacked local consensus. Federal lawmakers and former regional officials were among those who addressed the crowd. The demonstration was a culmination of growing concerns over the election plan and the need for a more inclusive political agreement.
The concerns over the Hirshabelle election plan are rooted in the need for a broader agreement on political representation and power-sharing. The rejection of the plan by Hawadle politicians and traditional elders reflects a deeper issue of inclusivity and representation in the region. Sanbaloolshe's support for the protest highlights the significance of public opinion in shaping the region's political future.
The peaceful nature of the protest in Beledweyne is noteworthy, as it demonstrates the ability of the community to express their grievances without resorting to violence. The involvement of diverse groups, including women and youth, underscores the widespread concern over the election plan and the desire for a more inclusive political process.
As the situation in Hiiraan continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely. The incident highlights the challenges of building a stable and inclusive political process in Somalia. The key points to note are:
Key points
- The protest in Beledweyne was a peaceful demonstration against the Hirshabelle election plan.
- Former NISA chief Sanbaloolshe praised the protesters for expressing their public will and grievances.
- The protesters demanded a political agreement before proceeding with voting in the Hiiraan region.
