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BELETWEYNE, 15 November 2026 — The paramount traditional leader of the Hawadle clan, Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif, said on Sunday his community would not reverse its opposition to Hirshabelle's re-elected leadership.
Speaking at a demonstration in Beletweyne, Hiiraan region, the Ugaas said they would continue along their chosen path and would not abandon their position because of pressure or intimidation.
He urged participants to remain united, work together and preserve peace and the dignity of their community.
The traditional leader also asked those gathered whether they were prepared to work towards safeguarding Somalia and the Hiiraan region.
The demonstration followed a call issued by the Ugaas on 12 Nov. after consultations in Beletweyne involving traditional elders, politicians, intellectuals and representatives of different sections of society.
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A communiqué issued after those meetings rejected the Hirshabelle leadership election held in Jowhar on 24 Oct., in which President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Gudlawe was re-elected and Abdifatah Hassan Afrah was elected vice-president.
Hawadle traditional leaders argued that the election had not been based on sufficient consultation or reflected the wishes of the communities concerned, particularly residents of Hiiraan.
They also called for an inclusive conference bringing together the region's clans, political figures and community elders to discuss Hiiraan's political future.
When announcing the demonstration, Ugaas Yusuf said he would personally participate and urged residents to express their position peacefully.
Political tensions surrounding Hirshabelle's leadership election have intensified in recent weeks, with Beletweyne emerging as the centre of opposition to the results announced in Jowhar.