Somalia: Hiran elders raise stakes for state formation endeavor

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia-We will have a federal state on our own, Hiran clan elders told Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The remarks are the latest in a series of barbs traded on media by traditional elders locked in months of deadlock over the formation of a new state in southern Somalia. 

The local exercise would include a parliament and the election of a new President, said HiranElders Spokesman Ugas Ali Ugas Muhumed Ugas Shafec. 

The move could deal a blow to IGAD initiative to forge ahead with the state formation process in Hiran.  UN-backed national government in Mogadishu came under fire in the past before asking IGAD to spearhead the process. Hiran elders put a condition on return to the convention venue, calling for their region to be split into two or three. 

“I want to announce that Hiran will have a full-fledged state after Ugas Hassan is crowned,” the elder told a news conference in central Beledweyne town on Wednesday. 

Continuing, he advised IGAD officials to ditch their efforts if they cannot meet the condition set out.  

Several hurdles have hindered endeavor to create a federal member state consisting of Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions over recent months.

GAROWEONLINE