JOWHAR — Political tensions in Hirshabeelle have escalated between the President, Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Guudlaawe), and his deputy, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar (Yusuf Dabageed), disrupting official travel plans ahead of a scheduled visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Jowhar.
Sources say several lawmakers and ministers from Hiiraan region refused to board a government-arranged flight to Jowhar on Wednesday, citing internal disagreements within the state leadership. The delegation was expected to take part in preparations for the presidential visit and the inauguration of development projects in the capital.
According to the sources, the refusal was linked to objections over traveling alongside the deputy president, causing confusion and delays in coordinating the delegation’s departure.
The dispute between Guudlaawe and Dabageed is reported to have been building for weeks, with disagreements centered on power-sharing, administrative influence, and the representation of Hiiraan officials within the regional government.
Although both leaders have previously appeared together at official events, insiders say recent weeks have seen growing mistrust and weakened coordination between their political camps.
The tensions come at a sensitive time as the federal government prepares to showcase development projects in Jowhar during the presidential visit. Analysts say such disputes risk affecting coordination between federal and regional authorities.
Some observers note that Hirshabeelle has faced recurring internal political disagreements that have at times slowed governance and development planning, though such assessments remain contested.
Neither the Hirshabeelle State House nor federal authorities have issued an official statement regarding the reported standoff.
Despite the tensions, preparations for the presidential visit are reportedly continuing as scheduled, with security and protocol arrangements in place for the expected inauguration events.
