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Hirshabelle, Hiiraan State administrations trade blame as deadly clash erupts in Beledweyne
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    Friday March 15, 2024

    Beledweyne (HOL) - Leaders from Hirshabelle regional state and Hiiraan State have accused each other of instigating the clash that occurred in Beledweyne town on Thursday, in which at least six people were killed.

    Hirshabelle Interior Minister Abdirahman Dahir Gure has accused forces loyal to Hiiraan State of obstructing the designated governor of Hiiraan region on his way to his office. This obstruction resulted in a clash between the governor's guards and an armed group.

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    The Minister told local reporters that they relocated the governor and his guards to the El-Jale area to prevent further clashes.

    Minister Abdirahman Dahir Gure stated, "It is unacceptable for unauthorized people to obstruct an appointed official. While we acknowledge concerns, resorting to arms and establishing illegitimate administrations that impede legal governance is unacceptable."

    The Minister called for the release of the Hiiraan region governor from his duties and praised the efforts of traditional elders striving to quell the conflict.

    In response, former Hiiraan governor Ali Jeyte Osman and the head of the Somali President's office for coordinating local fighters (Ma'wisley) blamed the Hirshabelle administration for initiating the army clash in Beledweyne.

    Osman stated, "Troops mobilized from Jowhar town attacked Beledweyne town, firing upon its residents. The ammunition used against Beledweyne belongs to the Somali government, leaving us ill-equipped to combat al-Shabaab."

    Osman emphasized that they upheld the agreement made with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mahas district last year, whereas the other party reneged on their joint commitments.

    The clash, lasting over six hours and commencing around 11:00 PM in the Lamagalay camp area of Beledweyne town, killed at least six people, including both combatants and civilians.

    The conflict directly continues deep-seated political tensions that have plagued the region since June 16, 2023, when Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein dismissed Hiiraan Governor Ali Jeyte Osman. Osman opposed the state government's plans to centralize tax collection authority, a move that sparked significant local and federal controversy.

    Osman, a central figure in the anti-al-Shabaab operations and a key mobilizer of Hawadle clan militias rejected his ouster, declaring Hiiraan's independence from Hirshabelle. This declaration received backing from federal and local Hiiraan lawmakers, further deepening the rift.

     





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