BELEDWEYNE, (HAN) — The central Somali town of Beledweyne, capital of Hiiraan region, is facing a deepening security crisis marked by repeated killings blamed on armed gangs, while underlying political grievances against the Hirshabelle administration add further instability.
Local officials confirmed that another fatal attack was carried out inside the city on Tuesday night, intensifying public fears. Residents say insecurity has become a daily concern, with criminal gangs increasingly emboldened.
Colonel Arab Yusuf Nur, Deputy Military Prosecutor General of Somalia’s Armed Forces Court, who is stationed in Beledweyne, said security forces have been given clear directives to target the gangs responsible for the killings.
“We have instructed the security forces to take decisive measures against these gangs that terrorize civilians. Any unlawful activity must be confronted swiftly and firmly,” Colonel Arab Yusuf stated.
Security forces have since stepped up patrols across key roads and neighborhoods, launching operations to dismantle the gangs. However, the atmosphere remains tense, with many residents warning that without urgent intervention, the violence could escalate further.
Beyond insecurity, Beledweyne has in recent years been at the center of political disputes linked to the Hirshabelle State administration.
However, analysts argue that tensions between the Hirshabelle leadership and the people of Hiiraan have fueled mistrust and instability in the region.
Political commentators note that Hirshabelle has been widely criticized for deepening divisions among communities in Hiiraan, particularly because of its weak local support base. “The insecurity in the region, especially in Beledweyne, has been worsened by Hirshabelle, which has often been blamed for stoking divisions among Hiiraan residents after failing to gain their full backing,” one analyst observed.
The Hirshabelle State was hurriedly established in 2016 under the previous administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Critics say the formation process ignored community concerns in Hiiraan region, leaving a legacy of resentment.
When President Hassan Sheikh returned to power in 2022, many residents expected him to revisit and correct the flawed Hirshabelle arrangement. However, political analysts now believe the president is reluctant or unprepared to address what they call the “fragile and dysfunctional” state administration, which lags behind other federal member states in effectiveness and governance.
As insecurity and political grievances converge, Beledweyne finds itself trapped in a cycle of violence and mistrust — a situation many fear could destabilize the wider Hiiraan region if not urgently addressed.
