Friday June 30, 2023
Beledweyne (HOL) - Members of the Hawadle community in Somalia's Hirshabelle administration are loudly voicing their opposition to the removal of Ali Jeyte Osman, the former governor of the Hiiraan region. The dismissal, orchestrated by Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe Hussein, has stoked local tensions and spurred harsh criticisms from Hawadle clan members who believe the decision was abrupt and ill-advised.
Dahir Agoon, a parliamentarian for Hirshabelle, decried the lack of consultation in the decision and criticized the administration for ignoring their community's concerns. "Ali Gudlalawe has shown no intention of addressing our people's grievances and has failed to fulfill any of his promises," said Agoon.
The dismissal of Ali Jeyte Osman has been a source of controversy for weeks, further intensifying tensions between the Hirshabelle administration and the Hawadle community.
A Fractured Administration
In the wake of Osman's dismissal, local militia group 'Ma'awisley' blocked main roads in Beledweyne in protest, raising concerns about the future of anti-al-Shabab operations in the region. President Hussein has yet to respond to these developments.
Growing Support for State Independence
Osman's leadership had been instrumental in the near-total eviction of the al-Shabab militant group from the Hiiraan region. His sudden removal and the ensuing uncertainty prompted serious questions about the future of counter-terrorism efforts in the area.
New Leadership, New Tensions
With the new administration in place, the conflict between Hiiraan and the Hirshabelle administration shows no signs of abating. The dismissal of Osman has resulted in a geopolitical shift that could dramatically alter the political landscape of Hirshabelle State. As tensions escalate, the future of the region remains uncertain.