Tensions Mount Over Hirshabelle Elections as Hiiraan Dispute Deepens

MOGADISHU — A political dispute over the upcoming Hirshabelle elections has intensified in Hiiraan region, with reports of a possible mobilization of Macawisley fighters in the Afcad area amid opposition to the planned 30 September vote.

The reported mobilization has not been independently verified. Details concerning the number of fighters allegedly involved, the weapons they may possess, and the identity of those directing the reported gathering remain unclear.

If confirmed, however, the development could add a significant security dimension to an already tense political dispute over the conduct and legitimacy of the elections in Hiiraan.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has set 30 September as the date for elections to Hirshabelle’s local councils and House of Representatives.

Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Hagar Dabageed has repeatedly argued that elections in Hiiraan should not proceed without a political agreement and broader consensus among the region’s political and traditional stakeholders.

The dispute escalated further on 22 September, when politicians and traditional elders from the Hawadle community rejected elections being held without a prior political settlement. They called instead for dialogue and consensus to resolve the outstanding disagreements.

At the heart of the political dispute is the future leadership of Hirshabelle. Dabageed has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of withdrawing from what he described as a political understanding concerning the Hawadle community’s expectation of securing the next presidency of Hirshabelle.

The issue has also exposed differing positions within the Hawadle community itself. While some political figures and traditional leaders have opposed proceeding with the election without an agreement, the Hawadle Political Council has publicly backed President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe and supported participation in the electoral process.

Separately, the Justice and Unity Party has expressed support for Guudlaawe’s bid to seek another term as president of Hirshabelle.

The competing positions underscore the political divisions surrounding the electoral process and the question of Hirshabelle’s future leadership.

With the 30 September election date approaching, attention is now focused on whether voting will proceed in Hiiraan and whether the competing political positions can be reconciled through dialogue before election day.

The situation remains fluid, and reports concerning any armed mobilization should be treated with caution until independently verified.