Somalia
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Hiiraan Lawmakers Rally Behind Sacked Governor, Weighing Separation from Hirshabelle State


Monday June 19, 2023

MOGADISHU (HOL) – In a significant move that could potentially reshape the political landscape of Hirshabelle State, federal lawmakers from Hiiraan region have rallied behind the recently sacked Governor Ali Jeyte, expressing their support for his leadership and plans advocating the establishment of a separate regional state: Hiiraan State.

The development comes just a day after Hirshabelle State President Ali Guudlaawe unexpectedly dismissed Ali Jeyte from his position as the governor of Hiiraan region, raising concerns about the future of the ongoing military campaign against the extremist group al-Shabab in the region..

During a joint press conference held in Mogadishu on Sunday, lawmakers representing the Hiiraan region have fully backed the sacked governor, denouncing his dismissal as “unlawful.”

Their endorsement of Jeyte’s leadership has resonated with the public, leading to widespread outrage and triggering protests in the town of Beledweyne, where hundreds of residents took to the streets on Sunday.

Malik Abdalla, one of the region’s lawmakers also underlined their support for Jeyte’s recent declaration advocating for greater autonomy for the Hiiraan region, including the possibility of breaking away from the Hirshabelle state entirely.

Jeyte has garnered significant national and international backing for leading the first public uprising against al-Shabab in Somalia, resulting in the group’s expulsion from nearly all of the Hiiraan region in recent months.

His sudden removal by the state leader has also raised concerns about the future of the ongoing military campaign against al-Shabab in the region.

In a defiant address, Jeyte has proclaimed his region's secession from the federal state and unveiled plans to establish Hiiraan State.

He insisted that the move would enable the region to pursue an independent trajectory free from perceived meddling and neglect from the current state administration.