MOGADISHU, Somalia – The formation of a local council in Jowhar district has descended into deeper turmoil as serious problems persist. The Gaalje’el and Hawalde clans, both key players in the creation of the Hirshabelle State, have voiced their strong discontent.
President Ali Gudlawe Hussein of Hirshabelle recently took drastic measures to suppress dissenting voices. He deployed forces to disperse Gaalje’el clan elders who had intended to express their grievances in a press conference. To prevent them from speaking out against the alleged unfair distribution of seats, three prominent Gaalje’el clan elders were placed under strict house arrest. Around-the-clock military guards have been stationed, effectively stifling their voices. A concerned Gaalje’el clan elder from Jowhar revealed that the distribution of seats favoured the president’s sub-clan, despite the larger population of Gaalje’el in Jowhar.
In a further escalation, President Gudlawe sent militias to obstruct journalists from covering a press conference organized by Hawadle clan elders. The media blackout forced the elders to resort to recording videos through their smartphones and later forwarding them to local media outlets in Mogadishu. The Hawadle clan elders declared an official boycott, refusing to accept the seats allocated by President Gudlawe. They cautioned against the president’s attempts to install individuals from outside the clan’s designation to represent Hawadle’s interests.
An advisor close to President Gudlawe, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided insight into his motivations. It was revealed that “Gudlawe perceives this as his final opportunity to secure the presidency of Hirshabelle. This has led to his concerning focus primarily on obtaining approximately $800,000 in funding from FCA and the European Union”. Furthermore, the advisor disclosed that Gudlawe is actively working to promote the dominance of his own sub-clan within the Jowhar local council. These actions have raised concerns about the disregard for stability, harmony, and peace, with warnings of potential consequences for those who challenge his interests.
The growing discontent extends beyond the Gaalje’el and Hawadle clans, as other sub-clans within Abgaal, historically residing in Jowhar, now feel marginalized and underrepresented. They point to Gudlawe’s favouritism towards his own sub-clan, which has resulted in an unequal allocation of seats. The dissatisfaction has sparked increased protests from the Gaalje’el and Hawadle clans, subsequently inspiring other sub-clans within Abgaal to voice their concerns and join in the protests.
The ongoing political crisis raises significant challenges for the formation of the local council in Jowhar, under the funding of FCA and EU, casting a shadow over attempts to establish fair representation and ensure the participation of all communities within the district.
