Somali opposition politicians have opposed and condemned the actions taken by government forces in the city of Beledweyne. They accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of responding to political grievances in the Hiiraan region with military force, rather than through dialogue.
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre stated that the urgent appeal made by the Ugaas of the Hawadle clan, Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif, highlights the critical level of tension currently present in the Hiiraan region.
Khayre noted that the community in Hiiraan has grievances regarding their share in the government; however, he lamented that instead of addressing these concerns through dialogue, the national armed forces are being deployed against them.
He further urged military officers and soldiers not to participate in confrontations against the public, reminding them that the armed forces were established to defend the nation and protect the Somali people.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame stated that the message from the Hawadle Ugaas reflects the depth of the community’s grievances. He warned that the political dispute could escalate into clan-based conflict, which would undermine security institutions and threaten the nation’s unity.
Abdirahman Abdishakur stated that the situation in Beledweyne is reminiscent of a prior incident on June 3rd, when the Ugas of the Murusade clan—along with politicians, including Hassan Ali Khaire—launched an attack on security forces.
He urged President Hassan Sheikh to halt the movement of troops toward Beledweyne and to instead allow for dialogue, led by traditional elders, to address grievances concerning the representation of the Hiiraan region and the political structure of Hirshabelle.
The Member of Parliament also called upon the traditional elders of the Hawiye clans—particularly those with influence over the President—to intervene in the tension. He warned that any conflict could provide an opportunity for Al-Shabaab and divert the national army from the fight against the group.
