The Justice and Unity Party (JSP) has chosen Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as its candidate for deputy leader of Hirshabelle State. This decision comes as political tensions escalate in Beledweyne ahead of a planned election. The JSP Executive Committee approved Afrah's candidacy for the 2026-2031 term at a meeting chaired by party Secretary-General Hussein Sheikh Mohamud. Afrah, a former Hiiraan regional governor, thanked the party leadership for selecting him.
Afrah expressed his readiness to engage with all parties, despite potential rejection, and emphasized that Hirshabelle is moving forward. He acknowledged the challenges facing the state, including drought and political tensions. Afrah's nomination was welcomed by former Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Osoble, who heads a Hawadle political council supporting the current electoral process. Osoble believes Afrah can help unite communities in Hirshabelle, particularly in Hiiraan.
Afrah began campaigning in his home region of Beledweyne after his nomination. He expressed confidence that the election could proceed peacefully despite weeks of political tension. Afrah stated that voting was expected to take place on September 30 and noted that there was no reported violence in the city. However, he acknowledged that resolving the dispute in Beledweyne would require gradual engagement among residents, elders, and stakeholders.
Hawadle traditional elders announced that Hirshabelle officials would not be permitted to land at airports in Hiiraan until an agreement was reached over the region's political grievances. The elders stated that airports would remain open to the public but warned that delegations and aircraft associated with the Hirshabelle administration would be barred. This move is part of a broader dispute over representation and power-sharing in Hirshabelle.
The dispute centers on the existing leadership arrangement, with some Hawadle elders and politicians demanding that the election process in Hiiraan be suspended until a broader political agreement is reached. They argue that the Hawadle community should hold Hirshabelle's presidency rather than continue under the existing leadership. JSP's nomination of incumbent Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe for another term intensified these tensions.
Afrah's candidacy gives the JSP a Hiiraan politician on its leadership ticket as the party pushes ahead with the election despite opposition from influential Hawadle elders and political figures. Afrah recently joined the JSP after serving as secretary-general of the SINCAD political organization and previously served as governor of Hiiraan. His selection is seen as a strategic move by the JSP.
The election process in Hirshabelle is closely watched, with many stakeholders eager to see a peaceful and fair outcome. Afrah's nomination and campaign efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping the state's future. The JSP's decision to nominate Afrah as deputy leader candidate is a key development in the lead-up to the election.
Key points
- JSP selects Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as candidate for deputy leader of Hirshabelle State.
- Afrah's nomination is seen as a strategic move by the JSP to include a Hiiraan politician on its leadership ticket.
- The election process in Hirshabelle is marked by rising tensions and disputes over representation and power-sharing.
