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JOWHAR, 9 November 2026 – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said fighting Al-Shabaab is the top priority of both the Federal Government and the Hirshabelle State government, calling on security forces and communities to work together to drive the group out of the country's regions.
The president made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the new building of the Hirshabelle State House of Representatives, held on Monday in Jowhar.
"The biggest need we have today is fighting the Khawarij. Once we resolve the Khawarij problem, progress, stability, peace, dignity and honour will follow," the president said.
He said Hirshabelle's top priority is to drive Al-Shabaab out of its territories. "When each federal member state frees its territories, the whole Republic will be free," he said.
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The president noted that Somalia is a vast country covering 637,000 square kilometres, making it difficult for government forces alone to secure it.
He therefore called on lawmakers, the Darawiish forces, the Somali National Army, the police, Macawisley militias and local defence forces to cooperate and work together.
He told Hirshabelle lawmakers to build ties with the people they represent and to understand their needs and concerns. He said the success of local defence youth in confronting the enemy depends on how lawmakers engage with communities.
The ceremony took place a day after Hirshabelle inaugurated its new leaders, as political tensions continue in the Hiran region.