JOWHAR, Somalia – The president of Somalia’s Hirshabelle State, Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Gudlawe), on Monday officially opened the 17th session of the regional parliament in Jowhar, highlighting political stability and ongoing efforts against Al-Shabaab.
The session began with a welcome from Parliamentary Speaker Abdihakim Luqman Haji Mohamed, who commended lawmakers for their work and urged continued focus on legislative responsibilities.
In his address, Gudlawe praised the parliament’s cooperation with security forces in the campaign against Al-Shabaab, a militant group that has waged a years-long insurgency against the Somali government.
“You have operated with political stability,” Gudlawe told lawmakers. “The leadership and parliament of Hirshabelle have played a crucial role in the offensive to eliminate the Khawarij,” he said, using a term often applied to Al-Shabaab by Somali officials.
He concluded by offering prayers for the lawmakers and calling for unity in advancing development and governance within the state.
Hirshabelle, one of Somalia’s five federal member states, continues to face security and development challenges amid efforts to strengthen federal institutions.
