(11-Mar-23) Mogadishu – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a special meeting on Friday evening with members of the Hawadle community, who represent both houses of government and recently raised concerns about the government’s actions. The meeting, which was closed to the public, was requested by President Hassan, who recognized the significance of the community’s meeting in Nairobi last month.
Sources report that during the meeting, the Hirshabelle community expressed concerns about the power-sharing process, their representation and responsibilities within the central government, and the need to accelerate the fight against Al Shabaab. Three community members – Ali Shabaan, Deputy Chairman of the Upper House of the Somali Parliament, MP Abdirisaq Omar Mohamed, and MP Samboolshe – were selected to represent the community in ongoing discussions with the government to resolve these issues.
In turn, members of the Hawadale community urged the president to prioritize the establishment of a large hospital in Beledweyn. This request was made in response to a recent attack by Al Shabaab on a house in Mogadishu where wounded Hawadale soldiers were receiving treatment.
The President listened to both sets of concerns and pledged to work towards finding solutions to the issues raised by both communities.
