Somali lawmaker Abdimalik Abdalla has rejected claims that local Macawisley militia forces in the Hiiraan region are forming a rebel group. Abdalla made the remarks during a visit to Lamagalay camp in Beledweyne, where he met with Macawisley fighters. The lawmaker emphasized that the forces are fighting to defend their rights and oppose the government’s electoral process. He dismissed claims of rebellion or foreign support, citing the Macawisley fighters' past collaborations with government forces against Al-Shabaab.
The meeting focused on security and maintaining unity among the people of Hiiraan, according to officials who attended the visit. Abdalla and other local officials met with Macawisley fighters stationed at the facility, which the forces recently took control of. The Hiiraan regional administration headquarters is now under the control of the Macawisley forces. This development has added to the rising tensions in the region over the formation of the new Hirshabelle administration.
Abdalla argued that Macawisley fighters had previously fought alongside government forces against Al-Shabaab. He questioned the claims of rebellion, stating, "When we fought alongside the government, were we Macawisley? Were we Al-Shabaab?" The lawmaker emphasized that the Macawisley forces are standing up for their rights and are not mere guests in Somalia. He also opposed any extension of government terms and warned against attempts to incite divisions among communities.
The remarks come amid rising political and security tensions in Hiiraan over the formation of the new Hirshabelle administration and the electoral process pursued by the federal government. Additional Macawisley fighters have joined forces already stationed at the regional administration headquarters in Beledweyne. Military movements have been reported in the region amid opposition to the process that led to the formation of the new Hirshabelle administration.
The Macawisley are locally organised community defence forces that have fought alongside Somali government troops in operations against Al-Shabaab. They played a significant role in the military campaign launched in 2022. The forces have now become a key player in the Hiiraan region, with their actions influencing the local politics and security landscape.
The tensions in Hiiraan have drawn attention from various stakeholders, including the international community. The EU-funded NUSOJ initiative, in partnership with UNDP, has been working to build Somali journalists' skills. Meanwhile, the AUSSOM commander has met with the Hirshabelle leader amid tensions with Hiiraan region authorities. The situation remains volatile, with the Macawisley forces' actions having far-reaching implications.
The developments in Hiiraan have also had an impact on the broader region. Pirates have hijacked an Iranian fishing vessel off Somalia’s northeastern coast. The Hirshabelle administration has warned airlines against involvement in Hiiraan political disputes. The South West State has banned Feykon motorcycles amid security concerns. The situation in Hiiraan continues to be a critical concern for the Somali government and the international community.
Key points
- Abdimalik Abdalla rejects rebel label for Macawisley forces in Hiiraan region.
- Macawisley forces recently took control of Hiiraan regional administration headquarters.
- Tensions rise in Hiiraan over formation of new Hirshabelle administration and electoral process.
