Somalia: Ex-Hiran governor explains why he fell out with Gudlawe

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - Former Hiran regional Governor Ali Jeyte Osman has for the first time opened up about his feud with HirShabelle President Ali Gudlawe Hussein, over a month after the duo fell out, leading to concerns over possibility of Al-Shabaab taking advantage to regain ground.

For several months, Ali Jeyte Osman was the face of the war against Al-Shabaab, mobilizing several militia who worked closely with the Somali National Army [SNA], US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], in a revolution which neutralize Al-Shabaab within central Somalia.

On Saturday, Jeyte said he differed sharply with Gudlawe Hussein over the approach in Al-Shabaab war, leading to their fall out. President Gudlawe Hussein consequently, sacked the regional governor, leading to outbursts from members of the community.

"We fought each other on matters of people's development; it was not about anything else. Our dispute did not revolve around the topics the Somalis have been discussing," said the former governor, who now claims is the regional president of "Hiiraan state".

"Unfortunately, Hirshabelle was unwilling to drive the enemy out of the country. Evidence shows that Ali Guudlawe refrained from acknowledging our victories against al Shabab until we reached the Adan Yabal district in the Middle Shabelle region," said Jeyte.

According to him, both Gudlawe Hussein and his deputy Yusuf Damaged lack "essential skills and techniques" to lead HirShabelle state. He accused the two of failing to tame Al-Shabaab, questioning their ability to liberate remaining areas from the Al-Shabaab militants.

Jeyte was replaced by Abdullahi Ahmed Maalin Sufurow but has persistently maintained that he is the defacto leader of Hiran region. The former governor is also opposed to centralization of taxation in HirShabelle, arguing that such a move would further give Al-Shabaab an opportunity to regain control of the troubled region.

Somalia has been fighting Al-Shabaab for the last 16 years and the mobilization of the clan militia by Jeyte was termed as "historical" as thousands of Somalis took weapons against the militants. Al-Shabaab group has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE