A protest against the Hirshabelle election process is taking place in Jowhar district, Hiiraan region, at a time when the region is experiencing political disagreement related to the administration’s election.
The disagreement is particularly between politicians, intellectuals and traditional elders from Hiiraan and factions supporting the election process currently underway.
Xawaadle’s traditional and political leadership demanded in recent days that the election process be suspended until a political agreement and broad consultation are reached on how the Hirshabelle administration is to be formed.
This came after the Justice and Unity Party of Somalia (JSP) endorsed the candidacy of Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe for the upcoming administrative election.
Separately, footage has circulated on social media said to show military activity taking place in Beledweyne.
Some of the reports circulated on social media claim that forces associated with the Xawaadle community entered the city.
It was also reported that forces mobilized from some Xawaadle sub-clans were heading toward the home of the community’s paramount traditional leader.
Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif had earlier arrived in Beledweyne, where he met with traditional elders, politicians and intellectuals who discussed the situation in Hiiraan region and the Hirshabelle election.
Xawadle’s leadership argues that the administration’s election cannot proceed without a political agreement and consultation involving the relevant parties.
On the other hand, there are Xawaadle politicians who support the election process and Ali Guudlawe’s leadership, showing that the community’s political views are not unified.
The disagreement in Hiiraan is now unfolding at a time when preparations are underway for the Hirshabelle election.
If the political and traditional sides fail to reach agreement on the election matters, it is possible that the political dispute could further prolong.