Somali government says ready to end Hiiraan political crisis

by: Staff Reporter | 05 July 2021 12:41

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Somali government says ready to end Hiiraan political crisis

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - Somali government has announced new plans to resolve the grievances of Beledweyne town a day after two people died in clashes between Somali forces and a rebel group in the town.

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MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - Somali government has announced new plans to resolve the grievances of Beledweyne town a day after two people died in clashes between Somali forces and a rebel group in the town.

On Sunday, fighters loyal to a renegade general, Abukar Hud engaged HirShabelle forces backed by Somali military, prompting fierce fighting in the town.

The fighting claimed lives of two people including a civilian.

In a statement, Somali interior ministry has called for peace in the town, saying the government was ready to address their concerns through dialogue.

The ministry urged the public to work the government to stabilize the region.

"The ministry calls on elders, peace activists, religious leaders, business people, women and youth to stand together and work together to restore and strengthen stability as the country heads to the polls and Beledweyne is one of the designated places to host the election," the statement reads in part.

The political tensions have been heightening since last November when the elections were held in the state.

The protests and armed clashes in the town have been on and off since last year after locals in areas opposed the administration led by Ali Gudlawe, the president of HirShablle state.

The massing up of forces allied to Hud started last November when the new administration was installed in HirShabelle.

Hud and his faction are protesting the election of Ali Guudlaawe as the president of HirShabelle arguing his election violated clan power matrix which dictated a new president should have come from Hiiraan region.