MOGADISHU — Somali lawmakers MP Abdirizak Eid and MP Mohamed Abdulkadir have intensified their criticism of fellow politician Sadak John over remarks concerning political developments in Hirshabelle State, accusing him of interfering in an issue they say should be determined by the people and political stakeholders of Hirshabelle.
The dispute comes amid renewed political discussions over parliamentary representation, power-sharing and the distribution of political positions within Hirshabelle, particularly between the state’s constituent regions.
Eid: “Sadak John Has Gone Too Far”
MP Abdirizak Eid said Sadak John had exceeded the boundaries of acceptable political criticism by involving himself in Hirshabelle’s internal political affairs.
“Sadak John has gone too far. He does not know how to speak, and there is no place for him in the affairs of Hirshabelle,” Eid said.
Eid also maintained that Hiiraan would take the parliamentary seat, a statement that adds to the ongoing disagreement over political representation and the allocation of seats.
The lawmaker’s remarks suggest that the issue is not simply about individual politicians but also reflects broader disagreements over regional representation and political influence within Hirshabelle.
Mohamed Abdulkadir Responds
MP Mohamed Abdulkadir also condemned what he described as disrespectful and inappropriate remarks by Sadak John.
Abdulkadir questioned John’s involvement in Hirshabelle affairs and referred to previous political statements attributed to him.
“Sadak John has gone too far. He does not know how to speak, and he has no place in the affairs of Hirshabelle,” Abdulkadir said.
Abdulkadir further claimed that John had previously challenged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, saying that he had warned the president to leave Villa Somalia or face an attack.
He also alleged that John later travelled to Dhusamareb in an attempt to persuade his relative, former Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie Qoorqoor, and sought political concessions, including a ministerial position for his clan.
“Therefore, it is shameful for him to speak about an issue whose fate belongs to other people to decide,” Abdulkadir said.
Wider Political Dispute
The exchange reflects the increasingly sensitive nature of political competition in Hirshabelle, where questions surrounding leadership, parliamentary representation and regional power-sharing have repeatedly generated political disagreements.
Hirshabelle is made up of the regions of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, and political disputes over representation between the two regions have historically been closely connected to broader debates about leadership and power-sharing.
The latest dispute has therefore attracted attention beyond the individual statements made by the lawmakers, with political actors closely watching how the disagreement could affect ongoing discussions over parliamentary seats and the future political direction of the state.
Questions Over Sadak John’s Role
Some Somali political commentators have questioned why Sadak John has become involved in the Hirshabelle debate. His critics argue that his intervention could be connected to broader political interests and an attempt to influence the political campaign surrounding Hirshabelle leadership.
Some commentators have characterized his remarks as politically motivated and driven by clan interests, while others argue that the debate reflects the wider competition for political influence in Somalia.
However, these remain political assessments and allegations made by John’s critics. Sadak John’s response to the accusations was not immediately available, and the claims concerning his political motives could not be independently verified.
Political Tensions Continue
The disagreement comes at a time when Somalia’s political environment remains highly competitive, with federal and state-level leaders frequently divided over questions of representation, elections and the distribution of political positions.
The controversy involving Sadak John, MP Eid and MP Mohamed Abdulkadir could lead to further statements from lawmakers, political leaders and community representatives, particularly if the disagreement over the parliamentary seat develops into a broader political dispute.
For now, the central issue remains the question of political representation in Hirshabelle and who should have the authority to determine the allocation of the disputed parliamentary seat.
