Former Somali intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe has publicly criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's proposal to designate Beledweyne as the capital of Hirshabelle state. In a Facebook statement, Sanbaloolshe argued that the president lacks the legal authority to make such a decision, which he described as fundamental to the region's political future. Sanbaloolshe responded to a speech delivered by Mohamud in Jowhar on Saturday.
Sanbaloolshe emphasized that the capital of Hirshabelle and the state's political future should be determined through negotiations among communities in the state, particularly those from Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. He accused the federal government of interfering in matters that constitutionally belong to state administrations. According to Sanbaloolshe, decisions concerning Hirshabelle should be made through an inclusive political agreement among its people.
The former National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) director accused President Mohamud of playing a significant role in creating political divisions within Hirshabelle. Sanbaloolshe argued that the president cannot now present himself as the solution to a crisis he helped fuel. He also accused Mohamud of ignoring longstanding grievances among Hiiraan residents, which have been championed by traditional leader Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan.
Sanbaloolshe highlighted two problematic aspects of the president's speech. First, he criticized the president's portrayal of the people of Hiiraan, suggesting that the community could not be trusted and required guarantees from others. Sanbaloolshe believes this approach risks deepening mistrust rather than addressing grievances driving political tensions in the state.
The second issue Sanbaloolshe raised concerns the blurring of responsibilities between Somalia's federal government and federal member states. He argued that federal interference in regional affairs undermines efforts to reach a political settlement and build unity within Hirshabelle. Mohamud's proposal comes amid longstanding tensions over political representation, administrative arrangements, and power distribution between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
Hirshabelle, established in 2016, has faced recurring disagreements over leadership and the balance of political influence between the two regions. The dispute has gained renewed attention as residents and political figures from Hiiraan press for greater representation and a resolution to their grievances. Sanbaloolshe called on Hirshabelle communities to independently determine their political future, leadership, and regional capital.
Sanbaloolshe insisted that any decision must reflect the will of the people and emerge from an inclusive political agreement rather than unilateral declarations by federal authorities. The federal government has not publicly responded to Sanbaloolshe's criticism. The proposal has sparked significant debate, with Sanbaloolshe's comments adding to the growing tensions over Hirshabelle's future.
Key points
- Sanbaloolshe challenges President Mohamud's authority to decide on Hirshabelle's capital.
