Sunday May 12, 2024
Beledweyne (HOL) - Hirshabelle State Vice President Yusuf Ahmed Hagar Dabaged acknowledged that the long-standing political conflict between politicians in the Hiiraan region and the authorities of Hirshabelle State has hindered the state's development and called for its immediate resolution.
The Vice President made these remarks upon arriving in Beledweyne on Saturday for the inauguration of Ugas Yusuf Ugas Hassan Ugas Khalif, chief of the Hawadle clan.
"I am telling you that if there is any issue between us, we should resolve it together through negotiations. We have witnessed the consequences of disagreement and discord. Let us put an end to the conflict that has delayed the development of Hirshabelle," he said.
Yusuf Dabaged emphasized that every past problem could be resolved and asked the people of Hiiraan to forgive him for any personal grievances they may have had with him.
"People can make mistakes, so we should rectify them and discuss them together, working together for the greater good. I am appealing to the Somali people, my brothers and sisters in Beledweyne, to focus on what unites us," he noted.
Vice President Yusuf Dabaged of Hirshabelle urged the elders and politicians not to politicize the inauguration of the chief of the Hawadle clans, following controversy over the ceremony's location.
Traditional elders from the Bulaburte district are advocating for the event to be relocated to El-dher Daharo Ugasa, a historically significant site for such ceremonies. They argue that preserving tradition is crucial and have sought support from other Hawadle communities. This issue has raised concerns about the current plans, which have already faced several postponements.
"Brothers and sisters, as I speak to you now, al-Shabab is present in all four directions of the El-dher area, and you know the challenges between us and the Shabab. We do not have time to ensure security. We have dedicated time to hold the ceremony in Beledweyne town. Please do not politicize the inauguration of the chief elder. I and other leaders have come to Beledweyne for the inauguration. Somalis recognize the leader of Hawadale as a Somali leader," said President Yusuf Dabaged.
However, the inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Monday, despite ongoing dispute over the ceremony's location, whether it should take place in El-dher or Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiiraan region.