Hiiraan Elders: The Governor Did not Speak on our Behalf

Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Beledwene, Somalia (HOL) - In a meeting today in Beledweyne, clan elders of the region disassociated themselves from the claim the region’s governor Sheik Abdirahman Ibrahim Ma’ow made yesterday that the region is no longer taking directions from Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

In a press conference yesterday the Governor said that the region will be independent from TFG because “Mogadishu usurped too much power and is making decision on behalf of the region that that have not been approved by the regional administration”. The Governor added that his decision was supported by the region’s traditional elders.

In response, clan elders in the region said that they disagree with the Governor and that they support the TFG.

Mr. Mohamud Ahmed Hoshow who spoke on behalf of clan elders of the region said that elders of the region support the TFG and that there are no reasons at the moment to oppose the TFG which is facing armed resistance from groups opposed to it.

Similarly, the TFG’s Minister of National Security Mr. Abdullahi Sanbalooshe said that the Governor’s comments do not represent the views of the region’s people.