JOWHAR (KAAB TV) – A political and security crisis is unfolding in Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle State, following a contentious dispute over the appointment of a new police station commander. The tension, which began two days ago, is rapidly escalating, raising fears of tribal conflict and possible violence.
The controversy erupted when Somalia’s Federal Police Commissioner, Asad Osman, appointed Mohamed Ali Siad (commonly known as Anjeh) as the new Chief of Police in Jowhar. This decision was swiftly rejected by top officials within the Hirshabelle regional administration, who view it as an overreach by the federal government into their internal affairs.
In response, the regional Police Chief of Hirshabelle, Hassan Dhicisow Hassan—currently based in Mogadishu—appointed a different officer, Abdifatah Arwaah Adam, to take command of the Jowhar police station. Both appointments have since triggered confusion and deepened the political standoff.
Sources close to the Hirshabelle presidency indicate that the root of the dispute lies beyond policing matters. There are growing claims that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s federal administration is working to sideline key allies of Hirshabelle President Ali Guudlawe and reshape regional power dynamics in anticipation of upcoming elections.
Insiders suggest that President Mohamud may be planning to back a rival candidate in the next Hirshabelle presidential race, potentially challenging Guudlawe’s bid for re-election. Notably, Hirshabelle remains the only federal member state in Somalia where the term of the current administration has not yet expired. Observers believe the regional elections may take place before the end of the year.
The rivalry over the police appointment has also taken on a dangerous tribal dimension, as the two officers hail from different sub-clans. Community elders and civil society groups warn that unless the dispute is resolved peacefully, it could inflame clan tensions and destabilize an already fragile security environment.
Adding to the region’s challenges is the deteriorating security situation in both the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions, where the militant group Al-Shabaab has recently regained control of several key areas. Many local residents express frustration at the lack of development and effective governance in Hirshabelle, further fueling public discontent.
As the political standoff intensifies, fears are mounting that the dispute could spiral into violence if not swiftly addressed through dialogue and cooperation between the federal and regional governments.