(03-09-23) MOGADISHU — A high-profile delegation led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud landed in Mahas district, Hiiraan region, on Sunday. The visit aims to expedite military actions against the Islamist militant group al-Shabab, particularly in the Hirshabelle and Galmudug States.
During his visit to Mahas, the President is scheduled to hold an array of meetings with security officers, local elders, and conflicting factions within the Hiiraan administration. A key focus of the trip is to mediate between the former Hiiraan governor, Ali Jeyte Osman, and the recently appointed governor, Abdullahi Ahmed Maalin Sufurow, to resolve their political differences and realign efforts on military operations.
The President, who has been overseeing military efforts in Dhusamareb town for the past month, stressed that operations against al-Shabab will continue until the group is completely eradicated from Somali soil.
The trip occurs against a backdrop of political dissonance, notably between Ali Jeyte Osman and Ali Hussein Guudlawe, the leadership of the Hirshabelle State. Additionally, Abdullahi Ahmed Maalin Sufurow, the officially appointed governor for the Hiiraan region, has yet to take up his role two months post-appointment.
Ali Jeyte has further complicated the political landscape by refusing to relinquish his post, reportedly gaining an election by residents as the interim President of the Hiiraan State — a title not recognised by the Federal government.
Halqabsi News
