Hundreds of residents, politicians, and community elders demonstrated in Beledweyne against the planned Hirshabelle electoral process. They demanded a political agreement before voting proceeds in the Hiiraan region. The protest 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.
Demonstrators gathered in parts of Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan, carrying messages opposing an election process they said lacked local consensus. Federal lawmakers and former regional officials addressed the crowd. Hiirey Ahmed Roble, a former secretary of the Banadir Regional Administration, said political leaders and elders would continue pressing for what they consider fair representation for Hiiraan residents.
The dispute has intensified ahead of elections planned for Hirshabelle, which comprises the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. Hawadle leaders said they would reject any election held without a prior political agreement, following meetings in Beledweyne led by traditional leaders and politicians. Hiirey said no election lacking consensus should take place in Hiiraan’s cities, districts, or villages.
Some speakers at the demonstration questioned the future of Hirshabelle itself. Federal lawmaker Raaxeeye told protesters that politicians involved in the dispute shared a common position on resolving disagreements over the administration. Another federal lawmaker, Gurey, directly criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, telling the rally: “Mr. President, if you have rejected us, we have rejected you too.”
The remarks reflect growing tensions among some Hiiraan political leaders over the structure and leadership of Hirshabelle. Other Hawadle political figures have backed the existing administration and the planned electoral process. Earlier this month, a Hawadle political council led by former Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Osoble met incumbent President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Gudlaawe and expressed support for his leadership and participation in the planned election.
Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Hagar Dabageed has called for a political settlement before elections are held in Hiiraan. He said consultations should include political leaders, traditional elders, civil society, and other stakeholders. The dispute centers partly on demands by Hawadle politicians and elders for greater influence in the formation of the next Hirshabelle administration.
It remains unclear whether the competing sides will reach an agreement before the scheduled elections. The demonstrations came days after Hawadle leaders called on residents across Hiiraan to peacefully mobilize against what they described as a forced electoral process.
Key points
- The protest was against the planned Hirshabelle electoral process.
- The Hawadle community is demanding greater influence in the formation of the next Hirshabelle administration.
- The dispute has intensified ahead of elections planned for Hirshabelle.
