Saturday May 11, 2024
Beledweyne (HOL) — Beledweyne, the capital of Somalia's Hiraan region, is set to host the inauguration of Ugas Yusuf Ugas Hassan Ugas Khalif, chief of the Hawadle clans, on May 13.
The event has attracted a significant influx of dignitaries, including representatives from the Hawadle communities in Somalia's Federal Parliament and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloshe, the director of the National Security and Intelligence Agency (NISA). A large number of attendees have also arrived in the city.
However, the ceremony's location has sparked controversy. Traditional elders from the Bulaburte district are advocating for the event to be relocated to Eel Dheere Daharo Ugasa, a historically significant site for such ceremonies. They argue that maintaining tradition is crucial and have called for support from other Hawadle communities. This issue has raised concerns about the current plans, which have already faced several postponements.
In anticipation of the event, security measures in Beledweyne have been beefed up. Troops have been deployed along vital roads and around the Laqanyo Football Stadium, the initially planned venue, to ensure safety and order during the ceremony.
On Saturday, Intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloshe, met with MPs, clan elders, and community members in Beledweyne to discuss strategies for combating Al-Shabaab militants. Sanbaloshe emphasized the importance of joint efforts between the government and the community to eliminate terrorist threats in the region. Local officials and elders praised the Director's ongoing commitment to peace and his role in carrying out the government's promise to eradicate terrorism across the country.