The Justice and Unity Party (JSP) has selected Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as its candidate for the position of Deputy Leader of Hirshabelle for the 2026–2031 term. This decision followed a meeting today of the party’s Executive Committee, presided over by the party’s Secretary-General, Dr. Hussein Sheikh Mohamud.
During the meeting, which addressed electoral matters concerning the Hirshabelle Regional State, the Executive Committee unanimously decided to nominate Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as the party’s Deputy Leader for Hirshabelle; he was also urged to diligently fulfill the entrusted responsibilities and serve the public.
Abdifatah Hassan Afrah expressed his gratitude to the JSP leadership and Executive Committee during the event, noting that the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, played a role in his selection as the candidate for the Hirshabelle Deputy Leader position.
Afrah stated that he had previously participated in the formation of the Hirshabelle Regional State, noting that he hails from the Hiran region and—alongside President Ali Gudlawe Hussein—had jointly signed the agreement establishing Hirshabelle, in the presence of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He also stated that the responsibility entrusted to him is a heavy one, given that Hirshabelle is facing a difficult period marked by drought, political challenges, and other issues requiring strong leadership and dedicated effort.
Regarding his approach to engaging with the public, he affirmed his commitment to working with people holding diverse views—acknowledging differences in perspectives, interests, and outlooks—and emphasized his desire to treat everyone according to their respective roles. He expressed hope that the efforts of the federal government leadership and other officials would yield positive results, while noting the arduous tasks that lie ahead.
“We are ready to engage with everyone—whether they reject a solution or embrace it; the drum has been beaten and the signal given—Hirshabelle is on the move,” said Abdifatah.
Meanwhile, Ali Abdullahi Osoble—the former President of Hirshabelle and a member of the Hawadle community’s High-Level Political Council—spoke at the event, welcoming the appointment of Abdifatah Hassan Afrah. Ali Osoble stated that Hirshabelle is “improving” and “getting on the right track,” describing Abdifatah Hassan Afrah as an individual capable of playing a pivotal role in the development and unification of the people of Hirshabelle, particularly in Hiran; he remarked, “Hirshabelle does not depend on any single person—some opposed the Islamic faith while others struggled for it.” He also expressed his support for the JSP’s decision to select Abdifatah as the candidate for Vice President of Hirshabelle.
Following the event, Abdifatah Hassan Afrah flew to Beledweyne—the capital of the Hiran region and his place of origin—to advance his political campaign. The JSP’s decision comes amidst ongoing preparations for the Hirshabelle election; Abdifatah Afrah previously served as the Governor of the Hiran region and recently joined the JSP..
