Friday March 14, 2025
Beledweyne (HOL) – Members of the Hawadle community have supported the Somali federal government's plan to implement one-person, one-vote elections, marking a shift from the previous indirect election model.
A high-profile meeting on Thursday brought together Minister of Petroleum Dahir Shire Mohamed, former Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Osoble, regional defense force leader Ali Jeyte Osman, Banadir Regional Administration Secretary Faisal Araale, parliamentarians, politicians, youth, elders, and women. The meeting also emphasized the need to continue the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Banadir Regional Administration Secretary Faisal Araale declared that the Hawadle community is fully prepared to participate in direct elections and to intensify efforts against Al-Shabaab.
"I declare that the community is ready if a one-person, one-vote election is held, and they are the first to be ready for it. I also urge the community to strengthen the fight against the Khawarij and for the people of Banadir to be part of the national liberation struggle," said Araale.
Former Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Osoble cautioned against politicizing the liberation struggle, urging a united front against Al-Shabaab.
"President Hassan Sheikh, the war on your Abgal clan side is not going on, so leave politics aside. Intelligence and politics do not go together. We are in the fight, so set aside the distractions and focus on the battle," Osoble said.
Ali Jeyte Osman, leader of the Ma'awisley clan militia, stressed the need for national unity in the fight to eradicate Al-Shabaab.
Federal Minister of Petroleum and Minerals Dahir Shire Mohamed called on the Hawadle community to remain committed to both the fight against Al-Shabaab and preparations for direct elections.
"We, the Hawadle community, will not be passive; rather, we will take the lead. I am here to represent you. We want to be the first community ready for public elections, just as we were the first to initiate the liberation struggle," said Minister Mohamed.
The meeting comes as the Somali government intensifies efforts to implement one-person, one-vote elections for the first time in 56 years. However, opposition remains, with Jubbaland, Puntland, and some political factions rejecting the federal government's electoral plans.