By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – The Vice President of the disputed Hirshabelle State, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar (commonly known as Yusuf Dabageed), on Sunday bid farewell at Aden Adde International Airport to 50 members of the local community militia known as Ma’awisley, who had recently recovered from injuries sustained in battles against Al-Shabaab.
According to a statement from the disputed Hirshabelle administration, the group was flown back to Buulo-Burte district in Hiran region, where they will reunite with their families after months of medical treatment in Mogadishu.
Some of the fighters expressed gratitude to the disputed Hirshabelle authorities for supporting them during their recovery and for facilitating their return to their hometowns. They noted that being able to reunite with their families was a moment of relief and pride after enduring long separations due to conflict.
In his remarks, Vice President Dabageed praised the fighters’ resilience and urged them to continue their struggle against Al-Shabaab:
“There is no bravery greater than recovering from your injuries and returning again to the battlefield to confront the Khawaarij. This is a source of hope for the Somali people,” he said.
Hirshabelle State and the grassroots Macawiisley militias have been engaged for years in a joint campaign against Al-Shabaab insurgents, who continue to stage attacks across central Somalia. Local communities have played a crucial role in resisting the group’s influence, often fighting alongside government forces.
The send-off ceremony highlights the Somali government’s increasing reliance on community fighters as part of the wider national strategy to reclaim territory and restore stability in the war-torn country.
