Traditional elders and intellectuals from the Hawadle community in the Middle Shabelle region opposed the formation process of the Jowhar District Council, citing injustice in the distribution of council members among the clans.
During a meeting held in Jowhar town, the leader of the Hawadle traditional elders in the Middle Shabelle region stated that Hirshabelle State leaders had assigned two council members to the Hawadle community, a decision he claimed was not commensurate with the community’s rightful representation.
“We refuse to accept the two councillors that Ali Guudlaawe gave to the Hawadle community. It does not reflect what the Hawadle community deserves, and we will not endorse it. Since 1960, we have held the position of mayor in Jowhar. I can confirm that we are not participating in establishing the local council in Jowhar,” the elder stated.
The elders accused regional state leaders of disregarding the community’s rights in forming the Jowhar local council.
As the process of establishing the local council in Jowhar, the interim capital of the regional state, continues, the Hirshabelle regional state has not responded to the community’s accusations.
