Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Ahmed Hagar “Dabageed” has rejected the current election process, warning that polls cannot proceed without a political agreement over power-sharing disputes between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
Speaking to the BBC, Dabageed said Hirshabelle could not hold elections while grievances, particularly those involving his Hawadle clan, remained unresolved.
“There will be no Hirshabelle if an agreement is not reached now,” Dabageed said, arguing that the regions of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle could eventually pursue separate arrangements if the dispute was not settled.
He also warned that his side would take action if the grievances were not addressed before elections are held.
Dabageed accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of favouring one side in the dispute and of denying what he described as the political rights of the Hawadle community.
“Hirshabelle will face insecurity and unrest because Hassan Sheikh is allowing one clan to have everything, while the Hawadle are being denied what they had agreed with their brothers,” he said.
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Asked who could be responsible for potential insecurity, Dabageed said he and members of his community would do whatever they could to secure what he described as their rights.
His comments come amid growing political tensions in Hirshabelle ahead of planned elections. The dispute has increasingly focused on the political balance between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle and the distribution of leadership positions within the state.
The tensions intensified after Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe received a membership card from the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), according to local reports. The move angered political figures from the Hawadle community, who have since stepped up political activities in Mogadishu and Beledweyne.
Dabageed has previously accused the federal government of failing to honour political commitments concerning the leadership of Hirshabelle. He has said that President Hassan Sheikh had promised that the presidency would go to the Hawadle, but later backed the continuation of Gudlawe in the post.
The dispute comes as Somalia prepares for a broader electoral process amid disagreements between the federal government, regional administrations and opposition figures over the timing and framework of elections.
Hirshabelle has faced political disputes since its establishment, particularly over power-sharing between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. The latest confrontation threatens to further complicate preparations for elections and deepen divisions between political and community leaders in the two regions.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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