Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
BELEDWEYNE (HOL) - Elders in the central Somali region of Hiiraan have set tough terms for the formation of an inter-regional state with its neighboring Middle Shabelle region, demanding that their region be picked as the proposed state's capital and conference's venue.
The elders who outlined their demands warned the Somali government which aims to integrate two neighboring regions to 'mislead' the process which they said would lead to the collapse of the talks.
During their meeting, the elders accused the government of slack off in fast-tracking the process, a scenario they said might prompt them to quit the talks.
"Talks are ongoing for eight months now, but the government is not serious in advancing the talks." said Tawane Sabriye, the chairperson of Hiiraan region's diaspora community at the meeting.
No comment could be reached from Somali government on the development which adds strains to the challenges facing it as it tries to form an inter-regional administration for Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle region as parts of the new federalism system it wants to implement through the country.
However, political analysts were quick to point out complexities surrounding the state's formation given lack of consensus, mistrust and rivalry among clans in the regions.
Power sharing, the venue for proposed state's capital and formation conference are among the key challenges that political observers say would further chip away at the government’s efforts to bring the two sides on the table to neutralize their political tensions.