Sunday June 18, 2023
Beledweyne (HOL) - Local militia forces blocked the main roads in Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiiraan region on Sunday, hours after the President of Hirshabelle fired Ali Jeyte, the governor of Hiiraan region, on Saturday night.
The militia forces, locally known as the "Ma'awisley," blocked the main road from the town down to the airport to protest against the removal of the governor, who has been leading the anti-al-Shabab operations in the central region since the start of the "people's uprising."
Jeyte has gained significant public and international support for spearheading the first public uprising against al-Shabab in Somalia, which resulted in the expulsion of the group from nearly all of the Hiiraan region in recent months.
Ali Jeyte Osman is expected to address his removal and the ongoing operation in the Hiiraan region. Osman was known for his leadership in the operation, and he once announced rewards of up to $25,000 for anyone who kills an Islamist militant with the al-Shabab terrorist group.