Beledweyne Archives - Kaab TV

BREAKING: Security Forces in Beledweyne Arrest Former Officials.

Abdi Ali — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:34:16 +0000

Security forces in the town of Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiiraan region, placed former Bulo-burde District Mayor Sadaam Abdi Iidow and former Tardo Administrator Osman Dheere into custody today.

The two officials were reportedly detained in Beledweyne by security forces, while the underlying reason for their arrest has not yet been officially announced.

The detention of these figures has generated widespread discussion across Beledweyne, with ongoing efforts to ascertain the precise motive behind the security forces’ actions.

Sadam Abdi Iidow previously served as the mayor of Bulo-burde, whereas Osman Dheere functioned as the administrator of Tardo.

Both have an extensive background in local governance, and their arrest coincides with a period marked by sensitive security and administrative issues across the Hiiraan region.

At present, it remains unclear whether the detentions are linked to security matters, a specific regional incident, or other administrative disputes, nor is the intended duration of their confinement by security forces known.

Reports emanating from Beledweyne indicate that security agencies are conducting investigations regarding the grounds for the arrest, though formal details concerning the case have yet to be released by security authorities.

The apprehension of the officials may also prompt questions regarding the security and political climate in Hiiraan, particularly if new developments or underlying political friction motivated the security forces’ intervention.

Regional administration and security organs are expected to issue an official statement clarifying the reasons behind the detention of Sadam Abdi Iidow and Osman Dheere, alongside any formal allegations leveled against them.

Meanwhile, local residents are closely monitoring the situation of the two officials and the next steps to be taken by security authorities.

It is also anticipated that the individuals will be brought before an investigative body or a court if formal allegations are brought against them.

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Beledweyne Divided Over Hirshabelle Election Process

Staff Reporter — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:17:08 +0000

Beledweyne, has witnessed growing political tensions in recent weeks as residents, politicians, and community leaders remain divided over the upcoming Hirshabelle presidential election and the candidacy of incumbent President Ali Abdullahi Hussein, commonly known as Ali Gudlawe.

The dispute comes at a critical moment for Hirshabelle politics after the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) selected Gudlawe as its presidential candidate for the regional election.

The decision has sparked sharp disagreements among politicians, traditional elders, and sections of the public, particularly in Hiiraan.

On September 24, a large protest took place in Beledweyne, drawing community members, politicians, elders, and civil society representatives.

Demonstrators opposed efforts to proceed with the election process in Hiiraan before a broader political agreement is reached among key stakeholders.

The protest followed earlier rallies supporting Gudlawe and the JSP decision. On September 12, hundreds of residents joined a pro-Gudlawe demonstration in Beledweyne attended by regional and district officials who backed his candidacy and the continuation of the electoral process.

The competing demonstrations highlight deep divisions within the city over both the election process and the future leadership of Hirshabelle.

At the center of the dispute is not only Gudlawe’s candidacy but also broader questions about political representation, power-sharing, and decision-making within the state.

Critics argue that unresolved political grievances must be addressed before any election can move forward.

Traditional elders, politicians, and community leaders from the Hawadle clan have repeatedly stated that they will not accept an election in Hiiraan unless a political agreement is reached beforehand.

On September 17, Hawadle leaders called for the suspension of the ongoing electoral process, demanding a more inclusive framework based on consensus, representation, and agreed power-sharing arrangements. The position was reaffirmed again on September 22.

Supporters of the protests say the demonstrations are a legitimate way for Hiiraan residents to express their political concerns. They argue that holding an election without broad local consensus could deepen political divisions and create further instability.

Some political figures in Beledweyne have also called for dialogue involving the Federal Government of Somalia, Hirshabelle authorities, traditional elders, politicians, and civil society groups to address grievances related to Hiiraan’s role within the state administration.

Those backing this position believe that meaningful discussions on political representation and regional influence should take place before any election is held.

On the other hand, supporters of Gudlawe insist that the election should proceed under the existing framework. They argue that democratic competition, rather than political deadlock, should determine Hirshabelle’s next leader.

Several politicians from Hiiraan have publicly endorsed Gudlawe.

On September 14, former Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Osoble and members of the Hawadle Supreme Political Council met Gudlawe in Mogadishu and expressed support for his political agenda, including participation in the planned electoral process.

Their backing underscores the fact that opinions within the Hawadle community itself are far from unified regarding both Gudlawe’s candidacy and the election process.

The political dispute has also reached the upper levels of the Hirshabelle administration. Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Ahmed Hagar, known as Dabageed, has publicly stated that he would not work with Gudlawe if the incumbent wins another term.

Dabageed has argued that the concerns of Hiiraan residents are not about leaving Hirshabelle but about what he described as the region being denied a fair opportunity to lead the state. His comments have added another layer to the growing political divide.

Analysts and local observers say continued protests could place additional pressure on the electoral process.

Opponents of the election are likely to use public demonstrations to highlight their objections, while supporters may continue pushing for the process to move forward as scheduled.

Without meaningful dialogue, the dispute could become more entrenched, with both sides mobilizing their supporters and maintaining competing political campaigns.

While peaceful demonstrations remain a legitimate form of political expression, there are concerns that rising tensions could create security challenges if rival groups clash.

Local leaders and authorities are therefore being urged to ensure that political disagreements do not escalate into confrontation.

The current situation in Beledweyne reflects two competing visions for Hirshabelle’s future. One side believes elections should be postponed until a comprehensive political agreement is reached regarding governance, representation, and power-sharing.

The other supports moving ahead with the election and allowing voters and political institutions to determine the state’s next leader.

Both sides say they are acting in the interests of Hirshabelle, but they differ sharply on how those goals should be achieved.

The debate also touches on a long-standing issue within Hirshabelle, which is made up of the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.

Questions surrounding political representation and the distribution of power between the two regions have remained a recurring source of political tension since the state’s formation.

The latest dispute in Beledweyne has once again brought those issues to the forefront. Many local leaders argue that resolving the current crisis will require more than deciding who becomes president.

Instead, they say the discussion must address broader concerns about governance, representation, and the future political structure of Hirshabelle.

As political tensions continue to rise, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether dialogue and compromise can ease divisions or whether the dispute over the election process will further deepen existing political fault lines within the state.

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Roadside Landmine Explosion Causes Deaths and Injuries in Beledweyne

Staff Reporter — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 06:29:49 +0000

A roadside bomb explosion struck the Buundo-weyne neighborhood of Beledweyne on Tuesday morning, killing a local businessman and injuring another civilian, according to residents and local sources.

The blast occurred near the Cabdi Coon area, a busy part of the city where residents and traders regularly travel for business and daily activities.

Witnesses said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) or another explosive object that had been buried in the ground before detonating.

The victim was identified as Abdi Mohamed Farey Cabdi-Xinji, a well-known businessman in Beledweyne.

Local reports said he died at the scene from injuries sustained in the explosion, while another man was wounded and taken for medical treatment.

The incident has shocked residents and business owners in Buundo-weyne, many of whom fear that renewed use of roadside explosives could further threaten public safety and disrupt economic activity in the city.

Security forces quickly arrived at the scene and launched preliminary investigations.

Authorities are expected to examine the blast site to determine the type of explosive used, how it was planted, and whether additional explosive devices may be present in nearby areas.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and officials have not yet identified those behind the explosion.

Investigators are also working to establish when the device was placed and whether the victims were specifically targeted or were caught in an indiscriminate attack.

The death of Abdi-Hinji has sparked an outpouring of grief across Beledweyne, with residents offering condolences to his family, friends and business associates.

Community members described him as a respected businessman whose loss will be deeply felt throughout the city.

Residents say the latest explosion has revived concerns about security in the Cabdi Coon area, where similar incidents have reportedly occurred in the past.

The recurrence of such attacks has prompted calls for increased security patrols, more thorough explosive-detection operations and stronger protection for civilians.

Local community leaders are urging authorities to conduct comprehensive searches of roads and public areas frequently used by residents, warning that buried explosives pose a serious threat to civilians who may be unaware of the danger beneath them.

Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region, has faced a range of security challenges in recent years, including bomb attacks and militant activity.

Roadside explosives remain particularly dangerous because they are often difficult for ordinary citizens to detect and can be triggered without warning.

Security experts note that such attacks not only cause casualties but can also undermine public confidence, restrict movement and negatively affect local commerce as people become increasingly fearful of traveling through affected areas.

As investigations continue, residents are calling on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and clearance operations while encouraging the public to report any suspicious objects or activities that could help prevent future attacks.

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Electricity Price Hike Sparks Concerns in Beledweyne

Staff Reporter — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:31:07 +0000

Residents of Beledweyne express sgrowing concern after two of the city’s main electricity providers, Dayah Power Company and Al-Towba Company, announced an increase in the minimum monthly electricity charge, raising fears about the impact on low-income households and small businesses.

According to notices issued by the companies, the minimum monthly fee charged to customers has increased from $7 to $12, representing a rise of approximately 71 percent.

The change means that customers will now be required to pay at least $12 per month regardless of how little electricity they consume.

Under the previous system, customers whose electricity usage fell below the minimum threshold were still charged a flat fee of $7.

With the new pricing structure, even households that consume electricity worth only a few dollars will be required to pay the new minimum charge.

The increase has triggered criticism from some residents, who argue that the higher fee places an additional burden on families already struggling with rising living costs.

Many have questioned the reasons behind the increase and called on electricity providers to clearly explain the factors that led to the decision.

The issue is particularly sensitive for low-income households and small-scale businesses that depend on affordable electricity for daily activities.

Residents fear the higher charges could place additional financial pressure on vulnerable families, especially those with limited incomes and modest power consumption.

The increase is also expected to affect businesses across Beledweyne, where electricity remains essential for commercial activity. Shops, restaurants, hotels, clinics, schools and offices all rely on a stable power supply to operate.

Business owners warn that higher electricity costs may eventually be passed on to consumers through increased prices for goods and services.

Such a development could further strain household budgets at a time when many families are already facing economic challenges.

For many residents, the debate is not only about the price increase itself but also about the broader affordability of electricity in a city where reliable power remains a critical service.

Electricity services in Beledweyne are largely provided by private companies, including Dayah Power Company, Al-Towba Electricity Company, and Gacmodheere Superpower.

Dayah Power, one of the city’s longest-operating energy providers, has been serving residents of Beledweyne and surrounding areas for decades. Company records indicate that it was established in 1991 and has played a significant role in supplying electricity to the city.

Previous studies on Somalia’s energy sector have identified Dayah Power and Al-Towba as key electricity providers in Hiiraan region, helping meet growing demand in one of central Somalia’s largest urban centers.

Reports supported by development partners have also noted that electricity prices in Beledweyne have historically remained among the highest operational costs faced by households and businesses, reflecting the challenges of generating power through privately operated systems largely dependent on fuel-powered generators.

The latest increase has renewed calls for greater transparency in the electricity sector.

Residents are urging providers to explain the costs associated with fuel, maintenance, equipment, network expansion and other operational expenses that may have contributed to the decision.

Consumer advocates argue that customers have a right to understand how electricity pricing is determined, including the relationship between per-kilowatt-hour charges and minimum monthly fees.

Local authorities and community leaders are also being urged to engage with electricity providers to ensure that the interests of both investors and consumers are protected.

Energy experts say greater investment in solar power and battery storage systems could help reduce long-term electricity costs in Beledweyne.

Dayah Power and other energy companies have previously explored solar-energy solutions, which many analysts believe could lower dependence on costly diesel generators.

Increased use of renewable energy could eventually reduce production costs and help make electricity more affordable for consumers.

The controversy has also revived discussions about competition in the city’s electricity market. Some residents believe that allowing more companies to enter the sector could encourage innovation, improve service quality and create downward pressure on prices.

Supporters of greater competition argue that new entrants could introduce modern technologies and alternative energy solutions, giving consumers more options while encouraging existing providers to improve efficiency.

As Beledweyne continues to grow, demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly.

Industry observers say the challenge will be finding a balance between ensuring electricity companies can recover their costs and invest in infrastructure while keeping prices affordable for consumers.

For now, the increase in the minimum monthly charge from $7 to $12 has sparked a city-wide debate about the future of electricity services, affordability and the need for sustainable energy solutions in Beledweyne.

Residents say they support reliable and improved electricity services but are calling for greater transparency and consideration for ordinary consumers who may struggle to absorb the latest increase in costs.

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Tensions Rise in Beledweyne After Ma’awisley Fighters Seize Registration Centers

Staff Reporter — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:29:22 +0000

A political standoff unfolds in Beledweyne, in Somalia’s Hiiraan region, after Ma’awiisley fighters took control of several polling stations designated for the disputed electoral process.

The fighters were seen on Tuesday at facilities including Mujamac School, one of the main centers selected for voter registration.

Reports indicate that election-related activities were disrupted as the forces voiced opposition to the manner in which the Hirshabelle electoral process is being conducted.

The tensions are linked to the planned elections for Hirshabelle’s regional parliament and local councils. The disputed electoral commission has previously announced that the vote is scheduled to take place on September 30, 2026.

However, some residents and political figures in Hiiraan have raised concerns over the electoral process and the way it is being managed.

The Ma’awisley fighters who seized the registration sites said they would not allow an election that they believe lacks broad political consensus.

Attention is now focused on how the Federal Government, the Hirshabelle administration, and political stakeholders in Hiiraan will respond to the growing dispute.

Observers are also waiting to see whether voter registration activities will resume in Beledweyne and whether a political solution can be reached to address the grievances surrounding the planned elections.

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Beledweyne Forces Kill Suspect, Capture Another in Uncovered Al-Shabaab Plot

Staff Reporter — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:05 +0000

Somali security forces in Beledweyne thwarted a suspected Al-Shabaab attack on Saturday night after intercepting two alleged militants in the city’s Hawo Tako neighborhood, officials said.

According to military officials, security forces acted on intelligence about a planned attack and confronted the two suspects before they could carry out their operation.

One of the suspected militants was shot dead during the operation, while the second was captured alive.

“Security forces in Beledweyne tonight thwarted a terrorist act that two Khawarij plotters were planning to carry out in the Hawo Tako neighborhood of the city,” a statement released through Somali state media said, using the government’s term for Al-Shabaab.

Hiiraan regional administration spokesperson Liban Omar Hassan said information provided by local residents played a crucial role in preventing the suspected attack, highlighting the importance of public cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.

“We call on the residents of Beledweyne to continue cooperating with the security forces, and action will be taken against anyone who attempts to destabilize the city,” Hassan said.

Following the operation, security forces displayed the body of the slain suspect and the captured man in Beledweyne, saying the move was intended to demonstrate the success of the operation and deter future Al-Shabaab attacks.

The incident underscores the continued security challenges facing Beledweyne, the administrative capital of the Hiiraan region, which has repeatedly been targeted by Al-Shabaab because of its strategic location in central Somalia.

Security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations and patrols in and around the city to prevent further militant attacks.

Al-Shabaab has not publicly commented on the government’s account of the incident.

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Somali Militias Kill Senior Al-Shabab Commander In Middle Shabelle Operation

Staff Reporter — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 17:25:29 +0000

Beledweyne (KAAB TV) – Local defense forces killed a senior Al-Shabab commander and several of his bodyguards in an ambush on Saturday near Mahaday town in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, officials confirmed.

The operation was carried out in the villages of Ciid Ciidka and Jeembilow, about 20 kilometers north of Mahaday, where Al-Shabab militants had been active.

According to local officials, the slain commander, identified as Muhudin Hassan, oversaw the group’s operations in several rural communities and was responsible for enforcing extortion and intimidation campaigns that targeted residents and traders in the area.

Community fighters said they killed Muhudiin and his armed guards in the surprise attack and seized two AK-47 rifles and military equipment from the scene. The raid, they added, was part of a growing campaign by local militias, known as Ma’awisley, to drive Al-Shabab out of villages across the region.

The latest operation in Middle Shabelle follows a series of targeted strikes against Al-Shabab commanders across southern Somalia. Last week, a founding member of the militant group was killed in a drone strike in Middle Shabelle, part of coordinated counterterrorism operations involving Somali forces and international partners.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who visited the Middle Shabelle frontlines in March 2025, described the region as “strategically vital” to stabilizing central Somalia, noting its position along the main supply corridor between Mogadishu and Beledweyne.

“If we secure this corridor, we secure the heartbeat of the country,” he said during the visit.

Regional security officials praised Saturday’s operation as part of this ongoing effort, saying it reflects growing cooperation between federal and community forces.

“These local operations are making a difference,” one officer told HOL by phone. “They know the terrain and the people, and they are helping us close in on Al-Shabab hideouts.”

The militant group has not yet commented on the reported deaths.

Al-Shabab has previously retaliated against similar attacks, targeting villages that support the government or provide intelligence to the army.

Federal and community forces say they will continue to pursue the group’s remaining cells in Middle Shabelle, a region viewed as a critical front in Somalia’s wider campaign to dismantle Al-Shabab’s network across central and southern Somalia.

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Deadly Explosion Rocks Baledweyne: Civilians Killed and Injured in Bundoweyn Restaurant Blast

Staff Reporter — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:05:38 +0000

Beledweyne (KAAB TV) – A powerful explosion rocked Bundoweyn in Beledweyne early this morning, causing widespread panic among residents.

The blast, which was widely heard across the city, struck a local restaurant in the Isbartiibo area of Bundoweyn.

The restaurant is known to be frequented by government troops and members of the local Mawiisley militia, although no military personnel were reported to be present at the time of the explosion.

Preliminary reports from local sources confirm that three civilians lost their lives in the incident, including one woman.

Four other civilians were injured, some of them seriously. The victims are believed to have been customers or staff at the restaurant during the time of the explosion.

The exact cause and nature of the blast remain unclear. Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing whether it was a suicide bombing, a planted device, or another type of attack.

There are strong suspicions that the explosion was a premeditated act, deliberately timed to avoid harming military personnel and instead target civilians.

While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, Al-Shabaab, the militant Islamist group affiliated with al-Qaeda, has a well-documented history of carrying out similar attacks in Beledweyne and other towns in the Hiiran region.

The group often targets areas where government forces or local militias are known to gather, although it frequently results in civilian casualties.

As of now, the local security forces in Beledweyne have not issued any official response or update concerning the explosion, the victims, or the investigation into the incident.

The lack of immediate communication has raised concerns among residents, who are demanding accountability and greater security in public areas.

Beledweyne, a strategic town near the Ethiopian border, has seen a surge in violence in recent months, as Somali government forces, supported by local militias, continue to wage operations against Al-Shabaab in the region.

The group still maintains a deadly presence, often resorting to asymmetric tactics like improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and targeted bombings.

This latest explosion highlights the fragile security situation in the region and underscores the urgent need for improved intelligence and protective measures to safeguard civilians.

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Hirshabelle Minister Accuses Somali Federal Government of Abandoning Mawisley Militias Amid Al-Shabaab Resurgence

Staff Reporter — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:11:17 +0000

BELEDWEYNE (KAAB TV) – The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Hirshabelle regional administration, Abdi Dahir Gure Karore, has issued a scathing critique of the Somali Federal Government, accusing it of neglecting the local Mawisley militia – a volunteer force that has played a pivotal role in fighting the Al-Shabaab insurgency in the Hiran region for several years.

In a strongly worded statement to the media, Minister Karore condemned what he described as the federal government’s “deliberate negligence” towards the very communities that have made the greatest sacrifices in the war against Al-Shabaab. He asserted that the central government in Mogadishu has consistently failed to provide the necessary support, both logistical and financial, to the Mawisley fighters and the people of Hiran, who have borne the brunt of the fighting.

“The government has never given Mawisley the support they rightfully deserved,” Karore said. “Federal forces operating in Hiran heavily relied on these local fighters. And when the militias became weakened, the government troops collapsed right alongside them.”

The Minister further emphasized the resilience and self-reliance of the Hiran population, stating that the region’s inhabitants have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to freeing their land from extremist control without waiting for help that never arrives.

“The people of Hiran are not beggars. They have fought valiantly, shed blood, and made every sacrifice to push Al-Shabaab out of their towns and villages. They deserve not only recognition but real, tangible support,” he added.

Karore’s comments come at a time of increasing concern in the region, as reports emerge that Al-Shabaab has recently regained control of several key areas in Hiran. According to local sources, the extremist group has taken advantage of the weakening of Mawisley forces, along with the apparent drawdown of federal military units in the area following recent setbacks.

The Hirshabelle minister voiced alarm over the deteriorating security conditions and the repeated failures of military offensives that, he says, were mostly led by under-resourced local militias. He warned that without a substantial change in policy and a serious commitment from the federal government, the progress made in recent years could be entirely reversed.

“It is unacceptable that the same people who risk their lives daily to defend Somalia from terrorism are left to fight alone. These militias have done more with less, and they are now stretched to the limit. Ignoring their needs is not just a failure of leadership – it’s a betrayal,” Karore stated.

While the Somali Federal Government has not yet issued a public response to these allegations, several insiders familiar with the situation have confirmed that the lack of support from both federal and regional security institutions remains a significant obstacle in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that continues to be linked to the global terrorist network Al-Qaeda.

As Al-Shabaab regains ground in central Somalia, the frustrations voiced by local leaders like Minister Karore highlight a growing rift between the federal government and regional administrations. The consequences of continued inaction, many warn, could further destabilize a region already teetering on the edge.

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Dispute Erupts Over Alleged Dismissal of Bundaweyn Mayor in Beledweyne

Staff Reporter — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 12:22:45 +0000

BELEDWEYNE (KAAB TV) – Tensions have risen in the city of Beledweyne, the administrative capital of the Hiraan region, following controversy surrounding the alleged dismissal of a district official.

A document circulating on social media claimed that the Mayor of Bundaweyn District, known as “October,” had been removed from office. However, Beledweyne District officials have strongly denied the authenticity of this letter.

In an official statement released by Beledweyne District Governor Omar Osman Alasow, he categorically rejected the validity of the letter, labeling it as fake and without any legal merit. He emphasized that the letter has not been issued through any legitimate administrative channel and should not be regarded as official.

Governor Alasow clarified that, according to the governance structure under the Hirshabelle State regional administration, the authority to appoint or dismiss members of the Neighborhood Committee—including district mayors—rests solely with the District Governor. Any change in leadership must follow formal legal and administrative procedures.

“The letter circulating online is not recognized by the district administration. It has no foundation in law or procedure,” said Governor Alasow. “We urge the public and all institutions operating in Beledweyne District to disregard it entirely.”

The District Governor further reaffirmed that Mrs. Xuusstin Xansininininin remains the duly appointed and serving Mayor of Bundaweyn District.

The Beledweyne administration has called on the community and all relevant organizations to remain vigilant against misinformation and to rely only on verified communications from official sources.

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