Somalia: Middle Shabelle governor sacked

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the second time in as many months, HirShabelle President Ali Gudlawe Hussein sacked another mayor in the state, in what could trigger major political tussles within Central Somalia as the country struggles to reinforce its authority in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Ahmed Meyre Makaraan alias Ahmed Faal was fired on Tuesday by President Gudlawe in his latest attempts to install loyalists in leadership. Last year, Hiiraan Governor Ali Jeyte, the face of clan mobilization against Al-Shabaab, was also unceremoniously removed from office.

Mohamud Mohamed Noor, known as Masdile, has been appointed as the new governor of the Middle Shabelle region. Makaraan is the longest-serving governor and daring his tenure since 2016, the neighboring Hiiran region has had almost if not 10 governors.

The governor's removal coincides with President Guudlawe's appointment and reshuffling of some of his Council of Ministers on Monday night. The state is fresh from Al-Shabaab operations which have seen Somalia at large make significant strides.

The first phase of operations against Al-Shabaab left over 3,000 militants dead in central Somalia. Clan mobilization was key in the success of the battle, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urging southern regions to replicate cooperation from the central in the war.

Somalia is streamlining regional leadership with that of the national government, informing the proposals by the National Consultative Council which wants to change the model of leadership from parliamentary to presidential system.

However, Puntland has accused the federal government of failing to carry out proper consultations before making such decisions. Somalia has been fighting to enforce stability for the last three decades and the dream seems to be knocking.

GAROWE ONLINE