Somalia: Hirshabelle leader under pressure to resign over incompetence

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's politics continued to escalate on Sunday with fresh calls for Hirshabelle leader Ali Gudlawe to resign, amid ongoing political wrangles within the country, which has struggled to complete elections.

Gudlawe, who is believed to be a close ally of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, is currently in Mogadishu for the National Consultative Council [NCC] meeting which is steered by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble.

Protestors besieged the streets of Beledweyne city on Sunday calling for the resignation of both Ali Gudlawe and his deputy Yusuf Dabageed, accusing them of mismanaging the Federal state of Somalia, which is prone to Al-Shabaab attacks and floods.

The protestors have poured into the main roads chanting slogans against the state leaders. "We don't want Ali Gudlawe, we don't want Yusuf Dabageed, we don't want Ali Jeyte," as they carried placards on the streets. Jeyte is Hiiraan region governor.

Both Hiraan and Middle Shabelle regions are found in the state in 2016. For several years, Al-Shabaab militants have been dominant in the regions, further making it difficult for the regional and federal governments to implement the election.

Hirshabelle state is set to hold Lower House elections amid local and international pressure and the protests preceded the exercise. The elections will take place at the regional administrative capital Jowhar and Beledweyne town.

Hiiraan region has had sour relations with Gudlawe since his election as President in November 2020. During that time, fierce protests emerged, almost breaking the regional forces apart, in what could have changed the dynamics of local politics.

The region rejected Gudlawe following the breach of an agreement that provided for a rotational presidency between the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. Attempts by Gudlawe to travel to the Hiiraan region have faced stiff resistance since he came to office.

Somalia is battling with a host of internal challenges, which have stifled elections in the country. Last week, there was an attempted ouster of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble by outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.

GAROWE ONLINE