BELEDWEYNE — A government delegation that travelled to Beledweyne town reportedly encountered resistance from traditional leadership after presenting two key requests to the Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan during discussions on the political situation in Hiiraan and the future of Hirshabelle State.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, the delegation sought the Ugaas’s cooperation in facilitating political dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and traditional leaders in the region.
The delegation reportedly made two principal requests:
First, it asked the Ugaas Yusuf to receive a telephone call from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as part of efforts to establish direct communication and ease political tensions.
Second, the delegation urged him to accept a proposed political agreement, reportedly amid the President’s statement that Hiiraan would be given the capital of Hirshabelle State.
However, the Ugaas reportedly responded by questioning the position of government officials who hold public offices in the name of the Hawadle community while remaining part of the administration.
In remarks attributed to him, the traditional leader delivered a pointed message to the delegation:
“You are officials holding government positions on behalf of the Hawadle community. Either resign from your positions and join my side, or return to Mogadishu.”
Political Tensions Over Hirshabelle’s Leadership
The reported exchange highlights the continuing political disagreements over Hiiraan’s representation, administrative authority and the future leadership structure of Hirshabelle State.
The question of where Hirshabelle’s capital should be located has remained politically significant, particularly among stakeholders in Hiiraan, who have raised concerns about political representation and the region’s role in state-level decision-making.
The reported proposal to designate a city in Hiiraan as the state capital could become a significant element in negotiations, although the details and implementation of such an arrangement remain unclear.
Government’s Efforts to Reach Political Consensus
The delegation’s visit to Beledweyne reportedly formed part of broader government efforts to engage traditional leaders and influential community representatives in resolving the ongoing political disagreements.
However, the Ugaas’s reported response suggests that direct engagement with the President and proposals concerning administrative arrangements may not, on their own, be sufficient to secure an agreement.
Issues of political representation, trust, accountability and the position of community leaders are likely to remain central to any negotiations.
The latest developments raise questions about whether the Federal Government and traditional leadership can overcome their differences and reach a mutually acceptable agreement on the political future of Hiiraan and Hirshabelle State.
