Xasan Sheekh promises Hiiraan the capital of HirShabelle, amid political tensions in Beledweyne

JOWHAR — The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has stated that the Hiiraan region will be given the capital of the HirShabelle administration, while addressing the grievances of the community in the region, particularly the Hawadle clan, as political tensions arising from the leadership of the administration continue to escalate.

The President, who delivered a speech on Saturday at the inauguration ceremony of the new leadership of HirShabelle, mentioned that the people of Hiiraan have been allowed to have the capital of the administration, but they are required to name a peaceful city where they can reside and work with the senior leaders of the administration.

“The capital is a place where the administration and the top leaders reside. To our brothers in Hiiraan, we say the capital has been given to you, but you are required to find a place to settle, to stay, and to work,” said Hassan Sheikh.

He called on those with grievances and politicians opposing the administration to calm down and avoid retaliatory actions, stating that their request regarding the capital has been addressed.

Hassan Sheikh added that the official decision regarding the transfer of the capital will be made by the leaders of HirShabelle, in accordance with the administration's constitution, after which the plan for relocating the administration's headquarters will commence.

“The second phase will be how to relocate? There is no one opposing the capital, and there is a need for the hands that will hold it,” he further added.

This statement comes amid a tense situation in the city of Beledweyne, where political movements are being carried out by politicians and groups opposing the HirShabelle administration.

The conflict is rooted in political grievances, community representation, and the management of the highest administrative center of HirShabeelle, which consists of the regions of Hiiraan and Shabeellaha Dhexe.

On the other hand, the new Deputy President of HirShabeelle, Cabdifitaax Xasan Afrax, is in Beledweyne, where he is conducting meetings and efforts aimed at calming the tensions and initiating discussions with the parties that have grievances.

The announcement of the president could facilitate the start of negotiations regarding the relocation of the administrative center of Hiiraan, however, the implementation of this matter depends on an official decision made by the leaders of HirShabeelle and constitutional procedures.