By Dalmar:
Beledweyne, Hiran, Somalia –
Ali Jeyte Osman, the former governor of Hiran, who now proclaims himself the President of the unrecognized Hiran State, issued his inaugural “presidential” decrees, appointing several commanders of Darwish Forces and regional officials.
In his first decree, Ali Jeyte named the following commander, deputy commander, and head of logistics for the so-called Darwish Forces:
- Suleyman Gedi Ibrahim as the commander of the Darwish Forces of Hiran State;
- Abdullahi Mohamed Farah Biriq as the deputy commander;
- and Afrah Ali Hassan (also known as Afrah Yare) as the head of logistics.
The Darwish Forces carry out both military and police functions. They operate independently from the Somali National Army (SNA) and are under the direction of Federal Member State presidents. Despite their diverse origins, Darwish Forces serve as a significant power base for influential political figures, resembling a praetorian guard that offers protection and the potential use of force against rivals.
Two new regions
In his second decree, the self-proclaimed President appointed two governors, effectively splitting the region into two new regions: “Hiran” and “Upper Shabelle”.
The officials named in his second decree are as follows:
- Abdulaziz Ahmed Addow as the governor of the Hiran region;
- Abdilatif Farah Adan as the governor of the Upper Shabelle region;
- and Mohamud Mohamed Sahane as the presidential spokesman.
On the brink of a new political crisis
The appointments by Ali Jeyte constitute yet another step towards an emerging political crisis in Somalia. As time passes, it will become increasingly difficult to reconcile differences in HirShabelle and persuade the officials who have formed their own state to abandon their project and return to HirShabelle. A few days ago, Ali Jeyte refused to come for talks in Mogadishu, effectively declining an invitation from Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia’s President.
Ali Jeyte’s new appointments followed regardless of HirShabelle President Ali Gudlawe Hussein’s remarks, in which he emphasized that HirShabelle is not a political party that can be left at will. Ali Gudlawe made his remarks during the independence day anniversary celebration in Jowhar. “The truth is that in HirShabelle, there cannot be another Federal Member State. It is not a party from which you can simply walk away,” stated the HirShabelle President.
Uncertain future of the fight against al-Shabaab
Ali Jeyte has been a symbol of the local resistance against al-Shabaab. He managed to mobilize the local Ma’awisley militias, who ejected the extremists from parts of HirShabelle. Even after his dismissal, Jeyte vowed to continue fighting against al-Shabaab. He also said, however, that anyone associated with HirShabelle will not be welcome in Hiran, reiterating that his region was never pleased with the merger with Middle Shabelle.
The future of the counter-offensive against al-Shabaab remains uncertain due to this ongoing power struggle. The next phase of the offensive would be brought to a devastating end, should an armed conflict between HirShabelle and the newly formed Hiran State erupt.
