The Opposition Responds to the Actions of the Chief of the Xawaadle Clan

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – Some of the opposition politicians have reacted in various ways to the statement made by the Chief of the Hawadle Clan, Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif, who held a press conference last night in the city of Beledweyne, where he spoke strongly about the situation that has arisen in that city, which is experiencing tension between HirShabelle and protesting politicians from the Hawadle clan.

The Ugaas warned of an attack that he said is approaching the Hiiraan region, and he indicated that this plan is being orchestrated by individuals within the government. He also urged local forces to take their role and defend their land to prevent the region of Hiiraan from being forcibly taken.

Following this, the former Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali Khaire, spoke out, stating that the Ugaas's remarks are a new warning indicating that the political and security situation in the country is continuing to head towards a dangerous point. He also condemned an attack he claimed the government is carrying out against the people of Hiiraan.

“The alarm that Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif sent to the community last night in the middle of the night is a new warning that shows the danger that the outgoing President has brought to the country, which we have long warned the Somali people about. I condemn the attack that the leadership led by Hassan Sheikh is launching against the people of the city of Beledweyne,” said Mr. Hassan Ali Khaire.

He also added, “The community in the Hiiraan region has expressed genuine grievances regarding the government's resource distribution, and they will convene a meeting to discuss their situation. Instead of addressing their grievances and resolving them through dialogue, it is unfortunate that today the national army is being attacked to suppress the people's desires and the fate of the region.”

He also warned government forces against participating in the conflict occurring in the Hiiraan region, stating that they are trained for national defense and protecting the citizens, but should not be used to carry out attacks against the civilian population.

“I am warning the commanders and soldiers of the army not to engage in a civil war and become part of the offensive that Hassan Sheikh is launching in the Hiiraan region. I remind them that they are trained for national defense and protecting the citizens, not to serve the illegal orders of a president whose term has expired. I urge them not to accept any orders that would attack the civilians they are supposed to protect, and to consider why they are risking their precious lives,” said the former Prime Minister of Somalia again.

On his part, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, in a statement, said that the remarks from the Elder of the Hawadle Clan indicate that the situation in the Hiiraan region has reached a critical point, and urgent action is needed to prevent the tensions from turning into a conflict that could lead to security and social problems.

“I have felt deep sorrow, grief, and strong concern regarding the message from the Ugaas of Xawaadle, Ugaas Yuusuf Ugaas Xasan Ugaas Khaliif. The anger, sadness, lamentation, and warning evident in his speech should awaken the feelings of every Somali who cares about the future of his people, his country, and his environment.

When a traditional leader calls upon members of his clan in the national army to come out and defend the existence, honor, and dignity of their clan, it indicates that the situation has reached a very dangerous level. What is collapsing before our eyes is the statehood: the political conflict is turning into clan warfare, the security institutions are disintegrating, and the community is becoming increasingly fragmented,” said Cabdiraxmaan Cabdishakuur Warsame.

He also pointed out that Ugaas Yuusuf Xasan's speech is similar to the alarm he previously sent out as the Ugaas of the Murusade clan when the politician Xasan Cali Khayre was being attacked.

“The message from Ugaas Yuusuf reminds me of the alarm from the Ugaas of Murusade on June 3, when he, the elders of his clan, and the former Prime Minister Xasan Cali Khayre faced an attack from the security forces. Yesterday it was Murusade; today it is Xawaadle. The question is: how many other clans feel they are next if this path is not stopped?,” the MP added.

This statement comes as there is currently a climate of conflict being felt in Beledweyne, where the Deputy President of HirShabelle, Cabdifitaax Xasan Afrax, arrived yesterday, while on the other hand, the former head of NISA, Mr. Cabdullahi Maxamed Cali (Sanbaloolshe), also visited the city yesterday with armed forces, having come from the direction of Ethiopia.

The arrival of the two officials and the activities taking place in the city have heightened concerns that the political tension in Hiiraan may turn into a security situation, as various parties are issuing warnings about avoiding clashes and bloodshed.