Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Hagar Dabageed stated that elections cannot be held in the Hiran region without a prior political agreement and consensus, warning anyone attempting to conduct elections in the region’s areas.
Dabageed emphasized that the Hirshabelle electoral process requires broad consultation involving political and civil society stakeholders, noting that elections cannot be held—even in a single village in Hiran—without a mutual agreement.
He asserted that the ongoing electoral process in Hirshabelle cannot continue in its current form, adding that those attempting to hold elections without a political agreement will bear responsibility for the consequences.
This statement comes amidst escalating political tension regarding the Hirshabelle electoral process, particularly concerning who will assume leadership of the regional administration in the upcoming election.
Dabageed accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of reneging on a prior pledge made to the Hawadle clan—a commitment to consider the clan for the leadership of Hirshabelle when the time for a leadership transition arrived. Dabageed called upon the Hawadle community to deliberate collectively on its political future, stating that the decision regarding this matter requires consultation involving both those living inside Somalia and those abroad.
