Sunday January 2, 2022
BELEDWEYNE (HOL) - Protests broke out Sunday in Beletwyene against Hirshabelle state president Ali Gudlawe and his deputy Yusuf Dabageed.
Protestors poured into the streets chanting slogans against the state leaders. "We don't want Ali Gudlawe, we don't want Yusuf Dabageed, we don't want Ali Jeyte," the protestors chanted as they carried placards on the streets. Jeyte is Hiiraan region governor.
Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions both form HirShabelle state.
The protests come ahead of expected Lower House elections which are to take place in Jowhar and Beletwyene soon.
Hiiraan region has had sour relations with Gudlawe since his election as President in November 2020.
The region rejected Gudlawe following the breach of an agreement which provided rotational presidency for Hiiraan and deputy presidency for Middle Shabelle region.
Attempts by Gudlawe to travel to Hiiraan region have faced stiff resistance since he came to office in Novermber 2020.