In a bid to mend a relationship strained over recent months, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Mahas, a town in Hiiraan region today, where he seeks to re-engage with Ali Jayte Osman, the former Governor of Hiiraan and the President of the newly established Hiiraan State as well as a prominent anti al-Shabab figure to leverage his support in reinvigorating the struggling anti al- Shabab military campaign.
The president’s arrival comes amidst mounting concerns over the resurgence of al-Shabab in Somalia in recent months.
Upon his arrival at the Mahas airstrip, Mohamud was greeted with a warm welcome by Jayte, who extended an invitation for a private meeting in the town. The meeting is expected to address a range of political and security issues, with a primary focus on counterterrorism efforts.
The Mohamud-Jayte meeting comes on the backdrop of a growing political conflict, triggered by the controversial sacking of Jeite as the Hiiraan governor, sparking a bitter feud with Hirshabelle State President Ali Hussein Guudlaawe.
Jayte, renowned for organizing and spearheading the first anti Al-Shabab local armed uprising in Somalia, which successfully ousted the extremist group from the Hiiraan region, has denounced his dismissal as unlawful.
But, in a surprising twist, Jayte has since been elected as the President of a newly established separate regional state, Hiiraan State, a move which has deepened the political crisis further and presented formidable challenges for Guudlaawe.
The discussions between the Somali President and Jayte are expected to focus on wide range of issues, with a central objective of fostering stability and security in the region.
In addition to meetings with Jayte, Mr. Mohamud is expected to participate in discussions on regional security and counterterrorism strategies with local elders and officials.
The visit comes at a critical juncture in the politics, with the war against al-Shabab hanging in the balance amidst a stunning resurgence, marked by audacious attacks and the recapture of towns and villages liberated in recent military operations.
Experts believe that Mr. Mohamud’s ability to bridge gaps and rekindle relations with Hiiraan, widely seen a bulwark against Al-Shabab could have far-reaching implications for regional peace and stability.
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