HIRSHABELLE: Elections Impossible Amid Al-Shabaab Presence

HIRSHABELLE: Elections Impossible Amid Al-Shabaab Presence

JOWHAR, Somalia – The HirShabelle administration has declared that holding elections in the region remains unfeasible as long as Al-Shabaab maintains a presence in Hiiraan, emphasizing the ongoing security threats that continue to disrupt governance and stability.

In an interview with Shabelle Media Network, HirShabelle’s Minister of Interior, Abdirahman Dahir Gurre, highlighted the intensified military operations in eastern Hiiraan, aimed at dislodging Al-Shabaab fighters. He noted that Macawiisley militias, a local armed group opposing the insurgents, are leading much of the offensive alongside government forces.

“With Al-Shabaab still in control of parts of Hiiraan, a one-person, one-vote election cannot take place in HirShabelle. The Federal Government has not provided the level of support we had initially anticipated,” Minister Guurre stated.

He urged the Somali Federal Government (FGS) to prioritize security over electionpreparations, stressing that military operations should not be overshadowed by political processes at this critical juncture.

The situation in Hiiraan remains highly volatile, with ongoing battles between government-backed forces and Al-Shabaab militants. The HirShabelle government’s position underscoresthe complexities of balancing security concerns with democratic aspirations as Somalia continues its fight against extremist threats.

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