Hawadle clan elders in Hiiraan region, Somalia, have rejected the recent Hirshabelle leadership elections, citing a lack of legitimacy due to insufficient consultation with affected communities. The elders, who met in Beledweyne, issued a communiqué stating that the election in Jowhar was held without the consent of all communities. They called for an inclusive political conference involving all communities in the region to discuss the region's future governance.
The meetings were attended by prominent Hawadle community representatives, including traditional leader Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan. They discussed the region's political, security, and social situation, including concerns over political representation. The communiqué emphasized that decisions affecting Hiiraan must be reached through inclusive consultations, rather than imposed by a single group or administration.
The Hawadle elders announced plans for a peaceful demonstration on November 15 to express support for Ugaas Yusuf's position and highlight the political rights and grievances of Hiiraan communities. The statement urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and respect public and private property. The elders also praised Somali security forces and local Macawisley militia fighters for their role in protecting communities.
The communiqué acknowledged regional and district officials who resigned in solidarity with residents opposed to the current political arrangements. It also appealed to businesspeople and members of the Hiiraan diaspora to provide financial and social support for the community's initiatives. This comes amid heightened political tensions following the October 24 re-election of Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Gudlawe.
The election of Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as vice president in Jowhar has been rejected by some political leaders and traditional elders in Hiiraan, who argue that it failed to address longstanding grievances over representation and power-sharing. Tensions have increased in Beledweyne following Afrah's recent visit, with local militia fighters and security personnel reportedly involved in a standoff.
Ugaas Yusuf previously called on security personnel from Hiiraan to rally behind him, warning against the use of government forces to resolve political disagreements. The latest communiqué signals continued opposition to the Hirshabelle leadership election and renewed demands for negotiations involving all communities in Hiiraan.
The Hirshabelle administration has not publicly responded to the latest statement or announced whether it will participate in the proposed consultations. The situation remains tense, with civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict in the Hiran region.
Key points
- Hawadle elders reject Hirshabelle elections due to lack of consultation with affected communities.
- Elders call for inclusive political conference and peaceful demonstrations to express grievances.
- Situation remains tense, with heightened political tensions and standoffs between local militia and security personnel.
