by Ismail J. Warsame
Monday June 19, 2023
In a nation plagued by the persistent threat of
terrorism, one man emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. Governor Ali
Jeyte of Hiiraan, Somalia, led a courageous armed resistance against the
notorious Al Shabaab terrorists. Despite meager resources, he organized a local
movement called "Ma'awisley" that defied all odds and successfully
uprooted the extremist group from vast lands in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and
Galgadud. Governor Jeyte's heroic efforts not only inspired his fellow Somalis
to take up arms but also garnered admiration from the international community.
However, instead of receiving the recognition he deserved, he now finds himself
at the center of a political storm.
The Audacity of the Hirshabelle
Administration:
Governor Jeyte's achievements on the battleground
should have earned him the utmost respect, increased resources, and unwavering
support should be the minimum reward. Yet, the barely functional Hirshabelle
Administration shockingly attempted to replace him with an individual of lesser
experience. This audacious move by the two notorious leaders of Hirshabelle,
Ali Guudlaawe and Yusuf Ahmed Hagar, President and VP, respectively, both of
whom neither possess the necessary competence nor the political capital to
remove Governor Jeyte, reeks of political maneuvering and ulterior motives.
Allegations of Corruption:
Unverified reports circulating suggest that a
staggering sum of two million dollars exchanged hands as bribes to orchestrate
the removal of Governor Jeyte. If these allegations hold any truth, it
represents a severe blow to the integrity and credibility of the Hirshabelle
Administration. More importantly, it raises concerns about the fight against Al
Shabaab and the overall safety and security of Somalia. The timing of this news
comes as a surprise to those who were optimistic about the progress made in
tackling terrorism.
Governor Jeyte's Swift Rejection and
Declaration of Independence:
Governor Jeyte, together with several high-profile
elected officials from the Hiiraan region, wasted no time in rejecting this
executive order. They vowed to break away from the Hirshabelle regional
administration and declared an independent Hiiraan State until genuine
political power-sharing arrangements could be established. Their resolute stance
demonstrates the deep-rooted frustration with the current state of affairs and
the urgent need for meaningful change.
The President's Silence and the Fragile
Government:
As the crisis unfolds, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s
silence on the matter raises eyebrows. Experts warn that the longer the
president waits to respond to this urgent matter, the worse the outcome for
Somalia's fragile government. This administration is already grappling with
numerous simultaneous crises, and a failure to address the concerns raised by
Governor Jeyte and his supporters will further erode public trust and
confidence.
Conclusion:
Governor Ali Jeyte's extraordinary leadership in the
battle against Al Shabaab has earned him the deep respect and admiration of
people from all regions of Somalia, as well as the diaspora communities and
international allies fighting terrorism. The attempt by the Hirshabelle
Administration to remove him from his position is an affront to his heroic
efforts and undermines the progress made in combating extremism. As the Somali
government navigates through a multitude of challenges, it is imperative that
President Mohamud takes swift action to address the grievances of Governor
Jeyte and ensure the stability and security of the nation. The fate of Somalia
hangs in the balance, and the world watches with bated breath to see how this
critical situation unfolds.
Ismail J. Warsame,
Oregon, USA Geopolitical Analyst
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismail-warsame-m-ed-5060b510