Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan has urged Hawadle fighters, including members of Somalia’s national army, to gather in Beledweyne and defend Hiiraan amid rising tensions and reports of approaching federal troops.
BELEDWEYNE (Somali Report) — A prominent traditional elder from Somalia’s Hiiraan region has called on fighters from the local Hawadle clan to rally in the regional capital, Beledweyne, to defend their communities, amid growing tensions and reports of an approaching government military force.
Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif made the appeal during a press conference at his residence in Beledweyne, accusing people he described as acting under the guise of clan identity of launching an attack against the people of Hiiraan.
He urged members of the Hawadle community, particularly those serving in Somalia’s national armed forces, to return to the region and support what he described as efforts to protect their homeland, dignity and existence.
"People hiding behind a clan identity have launched an attack against the people of Hiiraan. You must defend your dignity and your existence. The forces belonging to the Hawadle clan must gather in Beledweyne and stand with me as their traditional leader," Ugaas Yusuf said.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions in parts of the Hirshabelle state, where armed local militia members have reportedly surrounded the residence of the regional administration's vice president, Abdifatah Hassan Afrah, in the Ceel Jaale neighbourhood of Beledweyne.
The traditional leader also called on members of Somalia's national security forces not to take part in operations against the people of Hiiraan, arguing that the country's current political circumstances did not justify using federal troops in local disputes.
"You have seen what has happened to the national forces. There is no government to defend at this moment. I want you to refrain from allowing yourselves to be used in a war against the people of Hiiraan," he said.
Ugaas Yusuf further urged members of the community to gather at his residence the following morning, saying those seeking his blessing should come together in support of the region.
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"If you want my blessing, stand with me. Every person from Hiiraan should come to my house tomorrow morning, united and prepared," he said.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that federal government troops who had departed from the Xananbuure area in the Galgaduud region were heading towards Beledweyne.
The troops are reportedly expected to take part in supporting the Hirshabelle administration, as tensions continue around the residence of Vice President Afrah.
The developments have raised concerns over the possibility of further confrontation between local armed groups and forces aligned with the regional administration.
Beledweyne, the administrative capital of Hiiraan, has previously experienced political and security tensions linked to disagreements over the Hirshabelle administration and the region's representation in state institutions.
The latest statements by the traditional leader could add to the tensions, particularly given his direct appeal to members of the national armed forces to return to the region.
It was not immediately clear how many troops were moving towards Beledweyne, who was directing the reported deployment, or whether any clashes had taken place.
There was also no immediate response from the federal government or Hirshabelle authorities to the allegations made by Ugaas Yusuf. The tension started after Ali Guudlaawe has been re-elected as president of HirShabelle state.
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.
