The situation in the Hiiraan region is entering a new phase following a meeting in the town of Maxaas attended by former members of the *Macawiisley* militia from the Hawadle clan. The meeting has become a major topic of discussion across the region, with emerging reports suggesting that segments of the Hawadle community have reached an agreement or understanding with Al-Shabaab, following a long-running conflict in the area. Some of the speakers at the meeting noted that the conflict had reached a critical juncture and emphasized the need to find a new approach to resolving the local situation. Reports also indicate that former *Macawiisley* members stated at the meeting that their prolonged conflict with Al-Shabaab had resulted in significant losses, highlighting the need to consider the future of the local population and the region itself.
The town of Maxaas has long been a key area of contention involving government forces, the *Macawiisley* militia, and Al-Shabaab. The Hawadle *Macawiisley* (local militia) played a significant role in the fight against Al-Shabaab in the Hiran region, particularly during the military offensive of 2022.
At that time, local forces worked closely with government troops, and Al-Shabaab was driven out of numerous areas across Hiran and central Somalia. However, the situation later changed, and Al-Shabaab recaptured some of the areas from which they had previously been expelled. That location was among the key areas that fell back into Al-Shabaab’s hands in 2025, impacting the strategy of government and local forces in the region.
In recent years, the *Macawiisley* forces have been a crucial asset upon which the Somali government relied in the fight against Al-Shabaab. However, there have been recurring grievances regarding government support, weaponry, funding, and the management of these local forces. Some local residents believe that the *Macawiisley* forces are suffering from fatigue and demoralization resulting from the protracted conflict. There is also a view that if the Somali government does not address the local forces’ grievances, sustaining the long-term fight could prove difficult.
If reports that segments of the Hawadle clan have reached an agreement with Al-Shabaab prove true, this could impact the security situation in the Hiran region.
The Hawadle are among the clans that have played a major role in the fight against Al-Shabaab, and their *Macawiisley* forces have been prominent in operations conducted within the region. An agreement between the local community and Al-Shabaab could reduce fighting in certain areas, but it might also spark debate regarding the future of local forces and the Somali government’s war strategy.
However, it is important to await official details regarding the actual outcome of the Maxaas meeting. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has made the fight against Al-Shabaab a top security priority. The government relied heavily on local forces during the 2022 conflict, and the *Macawiisley* were among the most crucial forces participating in that offensive. If elements of the local forces decide to withdraw from the fighting or enter into talks with Al-Shabaab, it could present a new challenge for the government.
The government may also face questions regarding the difficulty of holding onto areas previously recaptured from Al-Shabaab. Close attention is currently being paid to the situation in Maxaas and the wider Hiiraan region. The Somali government, the Hirshabelle administration, traditional elders, and the leadership of the Hawadle community are expected to officially address the recent meeting and reports regarding the alleged agreement. It is also crucial to determine the stance of the *Macawiisley* forces currently in government-controlled areas and whether they will continue the fight against Al-Shabaab. The future of these local forces could be a decisive factor in the direction of the conflict in Hiiraan.
