Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan, the traditional leader of the Hawadle clan, along with politicians from both houses of the Somali Parliament, departed Mogadishu today and arrived in Beledweyne, where they received a warm welcome from Hirshabelle officials and a large crowd of residents.
They were met at the city’s airport by the Governor of the Hiran region and members of the Hirshabelle administration hailing from the Hawadle clan; security in the city was tightened, and footage circulated on social media showed weapons and combat vehicles on display in parts of Beledweyne.
Hiran Regional Governor Mohamed Hussein Arab stated that the regional administration is ready to contribute to the consultations and initiatives for which the clan’s officials and elders have traveled to Beledweyne.
Speaking to the media in the city, Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan explained that their visit is part of a plan by the Hawadle clan to deliberate on the current situation, and he called for the unification of the clan’s counsel and decision-making. “We want the Xawaadle clan to deliberate. We will deliberate collectively and jointly, and we will take collective action. The steps we take will differ from those taken in the past,” said the Ugaas. He also called upon members of the clan to prepare for the decisions that will emerge from these consultations, noting that everyone with influence, financial means, or capability is expected to participate.
“Today, we want to implement the decision we reach, and it is you—the public—who can carry it out. Be prepared,” said Ugaas Yusuf.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Hirshabelle, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar (Dabageed), speaking at the event, acknowledged that the people of Hiiraan harbor grievances against the Federal Government of Somalia. However, he emphasized that the objective is not to reject the government, but rather to secure the rights that the region and its community are entitled to from the government. “The Hirshabelle flag is our flag; we do not want chaos. We have grievances—grievances directed at the government and the Hirshabelle administration, of which we are a part,” said Dabageed. He added that they are open to dialogue regarding any issues requiring consultation, noting that the Ugaas and clan leaders would discuss these matters with the community.
Ali Shacban, the First Deputy Speaker of the Upper House of the Somali Parliament, also stated that the delegation traveled to Beledweyne to facilitate broad consultations among the Hawadle clan regarding the current situation.
The visit by the Ugaas and his delegation comes at a time when the Hawadle clan had been striving to secure the top leadership position in Hirshabelle; however, their hopes were dashed when the UPD party—led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh—once again nominated Ali Gudlawe for the Hirshabelle presidency.
