Political tensions in HirShabelle have intensified after President Ali Guudlaawe received the JSP presidential nomination card, as opposition figures from Hiiraan challenge the electoral process and accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of abandoning a political agreement.
Jowhar, Somalia (Somali Report) — Political tensions in HirShabelle State have intensified following President Ali Guudlaawe’s receipt of the presidential nomination card from the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), amid growing opposition from political figures in Hiiraan.
HirShabelle State Minister of Information Abdikarim Hassan Nur Doobyare has insisted that the state’s election will proceed despite the escalating political dispute surrounding the electoral process.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kulmiye Radio, Doobyare said no individual or political group had the authority to prevent the election from taking place.
“The HirShabelle election will take place. No one can stop it,” Doobyare said.
The minister said voting would take place at all locations designated for the election and that police forces would be responsible for securing polling stations and maintaining security throughout the electoral process.
Doobyare also addressed concerns raised by communities in Hiiraan, saying the disagreements surrounding the election would be resolved through dialogue and consensus.
He said the administration would continue engaging with parties opposed to the current electoral arrangements in an effort to reach an understanding and ensure that the election process moves forward.
However, Guudlaawe’s formal nomination by the JSP has further heightened political tensions in the state.
The development has reportedly angered politicians from the Hawadle community, with political consultations and mobilization efforts taking place in Mogadishu and Beledweyne.
The dispute has also brought renewed attention to previous statements by HirShabelle Vice President Yusuf Ahmed Hagar, commonly known as Dabageed.
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Dabageed, who comes from the Hawadle community, previously claimed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had told him that he would be supported to lead HirShabelle.
The vice president has now accused the Somali president of reneging on a political agreement they allegedly reached over the leadership of the state.
According to Dabageed, Hassan Sheikh had previously promised to support his bid for the HirShabelle presidency. He claims that the president has since abandoned that commitment and instead backed Guudlaawe, who is seeking another term.
The allegations have added another layer to the already tense political situation surrounding the HirShabelle election.
The dispute is not only centered on the candidacy of Guudlaawe but also reflects broader disagreements over the political arrangements and electoral process in the state.
While the HirShabelle administration maintains that the election will proceed and that security forces will protect polling centers, opposition figures continue to question the process and the political commitments made ahead of the vote.
The coming days are therefore expected to be crucial for HirShabelle, as political leaders and competing factions intensify consultations in Mogadishu and Beledweyne.
With Guudlaawe now formally holding the JSP nomination, the race for the HirShabelle presidency is likely to become increasingly competitive, while efforts to resolve the concerns raised by political actors in Hiiraan remain ongoing.
About the Author
Bashir Guhad is a reporter at Somali Report covering politics, security, business, and trade across the Somali region.
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