Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a (ASWJ) fighters. FILE PHOTO
Dhuusamareeb (HOL) - Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a (ASWJ), a moderate Sufi Islamic paramilitary group, has announced their intent to form their own exclusive parliament within their organization on Monday. The announcement was made by ASWJ officials in Dhuusamareeb, Central Somalia.
It would be the first time the group ever organized themselves in this fashion, although they do maintain an administrative headquarters in Dhuusamareeb which they use as their base of operations.
The ASWJ Parliament will have 65 members that are selected by community elders from the Galgaduud region. The parliamentary speaker will be Sha'ir Sheekow Mohamed.
The group also announced that they will immediately put forth a cabinet of ministers after parliament officially convenes.
ASWJ has constantly been at odds with the Federal Government of Somalia, publicly criticizing their performance on many occasions. Most recently, the group vehemently refused to join the regional administration of Galgaduud and has denounced the National Leadership Forum (NLF).
ASWJ is rooted in the early 90's but has come to international prominence in 2008 when they formed the main resistance force against Al Shabaab after several Sufi clerics were killed and tombs desecrated.