Hawadle clan chief calls for mobilization against federal offensive
Clan leader Ugas Yusuf Ugas Hassan urged Hawadle members to arm themselves amid reports of a federal troop buildup.
Hawadle clan chief Ugas Yusuf Ugas Hassan on Friday called for clan members and other Hiran region residents to mobilize against a perceived federal offensive. He stated that rival clans were exploiting the federal government's name to advance their interests. The appeal came as reports indicated the federal government was preparing 1,500 troops for an offensive to retake Baladweyne, which Hawadle militias seized weeks ago.
The Hawadle militias were mobilized by former National Intelligence and Security Agency chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe and other Hawadle politicians opposing the federal government and Hirshabelle administration. This political rift follows President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's endorsement of Ali Gudlawe for a second term as Hirshabelle state president, a decision Hawadle politicians see as a broken promise. Tensions escalated after Djiboutian forces reportedly facilitated the entry of Hirshabelle Vice-President Abditah Hussein Afrah into Baladweyne.
On Saturday morning, some federal security agency members defected and seized control of Baladweyne airport, vowing to block any federal or Hirshabelle officials. Ugas Hassan also urged Somali National Army members of his clan to abandon federal allegiance. Sanbalolshe arrived in Baladweyne under security protection from Ethiopian forces, who were also sighted along the road connecting Ferfer to Baladweyne.
Why it mattersClan members and residents of the Hiran region are being called to arms by their chief, potentially leading to conflict.