A large-scale demonstration took place today in Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiran region, where participating citizens, politicians, community elders, and officials expressed concern and opposition regarding the planned electoral process for the HirShabelle administration.
The protest coincides with ongoing political meetings and consultations among politicians and elders from the Hiran region, who have openly opposed holding elections in the region without first reaching a political agreement satisfactory to all parties.
Xiirey Ahmed Roble, the former Secretary of the Banadir Regional Administration, addressed the region’s political situation, stating that the rights of the people of Hiran cannot be infringed upon; he noted that politicians and elders are committed to defending what they describe as the rights and representation of the Hiran people.
Xiirey also emphasized the need to ensure a significant role for the future generation of Hiran within the HirShabelle administration, insisting that any political process which excludes or fails to involve the local community is unacceptable. Some of the demonstrators chanted slogans expressing their stance on the election, stating that they do not support an election held without consensus.
A woman speaking at the protest stated that the people of Hiiraan want their rights respected, specifically noting their opposition to the currently planned electoral process.
“The people of Hiiraan are united, and they must secure their rights. We do not want an online election,” said the woman, who was among the speakers at the event.
Some Members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia who attended the rally also addressed the crowd.
MP Raaxeeye stated that politicians and stakeholders involved in the HirShabelle issue share a consensus on the need to resolve the administration’s political dispute.
Speaking on the future of HirShabelle, he said: “We are in agreement that the administration should be divided. If it is not divided, we will establish another one.”
Additionally, MP Gurey made a statement directly criticizing government leaders, saying: “Mr. President, if you have rejected us, we have rejected you too.”
Political tensions have intensified since the announcement of the HirShabelle election plan and the revelation that the party led by President Hassan Sheikh intends to secure the HirShabelle presidency for Ali Gudlawe once again. The protests that took place today in Beledweyne highlight the extent of the political dispute surrounding the selection of HirShabelle’s leadership, as it remains unclear whether the conflicting parties will reach an agreement before the scheduled election date.
