Baledweyne (KAAB TV) – Abdifatah Hassan Afrax, the former governor of Hiraan region, announced today that he has taken control of the administrative centers in Baledweyne and is leading efforts to establish a locally governed administration for the Hiraan people.
Speaking from Lamagalay camp in Baledweyne, Afrax declared that he is spearheading a movement for the people of Hiraan to form their own administration, independent of the current Hirshabelle framework.
“In an operation that I led, supported by the people of Hiraan, we have taken over the administrative centers of Baledweyne. From today, I am leading the struggle to create a people-driven government for Hiraan and the Upper Shabelle,” said Afrax. “I am not declaring myself President. I am calling on intellectuals, elders, and all community sectors to unite and form a leadership chosen by the people.”
Afrax also issued a public apology for past political decisions that contributed to the current divisions within the region.
“Ten years ago, I made a serious mistake against the people of Hiraan when I signed on to the formation of the Hirshabelle administration. Today, I sincerely ask for forgiveness from the community,” he said.
This announcement comes in the wake of recent reconciliation efforts earlier this year, where federal officials and Hiraan-based Members of Parliament—particularly from the Hawadle clan—sought to resolve longstanding disputes over power-sharing in the widely criticized Hirshabelle administration.