The latest developments have heightened fears among residents that the growing political and security dispute could lead to armed confrontation.

The tensions are unfolding against a backdrop of disagreements between local leaders in Hiiraan and the Hirshabelle regional administration over control of the region’s leadership and security arrangements.

Reports indicate that significant numbers of Macawiisley fighters have been mobilising and moving through parts of Beledweyne as the political dispute continues to deepen.

Their latest activities follow developments in late October, when local fighters reportedly took control of sections of the Hiiraan regional administration headquarters at Lamagalaay and established positions at other strategic locations.

The fighters were previously reported to have reached parts of the Lamagalaay compound, the entrance to the Liqliqato Bridge and areas outside Ugaas Khaliif Airport.

Somali National Army troops stationed near the regional headquarters reportedly withdrew from their positions without any direct fighting being reported.

Meanwhile, forces aligned with the Hirshabelle administration and operating under the authority of newly appointed Hiiraan Governor Muse Salad Weheliye have reportedly taken defensive positions at locations where they remain stationed in the city.

The military developments are closely linked to a dispute over the governorship of Hiiraan. Hirshabelle authorities say they have removed Mohamed Hussein Mohamed from the position and appointed Weheliye as his replacement.

However, Mohamed has rejected the decision and continues to maintain that he remains the legitimate governor.

On Monday, a newly assembled force comprising Macawiisley fighters was publicly presented at the Lamagalaay headquarters.

The unit, named Dulmi-diid, was displayed carrying various types of weapons and was reportedly established to help maintain security in Beledweyne.

However, its unveiling comes at a time of heightened political tensions and competing claims over authority in the region, raising questions about how the force will operate alongside troops loyal to the Hirshabelle administration.

During the ceremony, Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, the governor who was removed by Hirshabelle, called on forces operating under the regional administration to leave Beledweyne within 24 hours.

His statement further illustrated the depth of the confrontation between the rival sides.

Separately, reports from the city say a young girl was killed after armed men allegedly opened fire in Beledweyne. Three men have reportedly been arrested in connection with the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. No independently verified account has yet established how the incident occurred, who fired the shots or the specific allegations against those detained.

Residents are increasingly concerned that the presence of rival armed groups in close proximity, combined with the unresolved dispute over regional leadership, could trigger clashes and put civilians at risk.

The situation in Beledweyne therefore extends beyond competing military positions.

At its centre is a wider political struggle over the leadership of Hiiraan, the authority of the Hirshabelle administration and the future of relations between the regional government and local power holders.

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