Elders accuse IGAD of interfering with Hiran-Middle Shabelle state formation process

Elders of Middle Shabelle region have accused the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) of interference with the process to form regional state for Hiraan and Middle regions.

The elders said the regional trade bloc is creating enmity among people in the two regions of Hiraan and Middle Shabelle noting they will resist any attempts to frustrate process which has not had false starts for the last one year.

“We vehemently oppose the interference by Intergovernmental Authority on Development. We would like IGAD envoy for Somalia Mohamed Abdi Afey to stop the external interference” said the elder in press conference in Jowhar town.

Earlier this month,  IGAD Special Envoy to Somalia Mohamed Abdi Affey called the Somali Federal Government Leaders to finalize the Federal process of the country.

“We have reached the time to conclude state formation for Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, I urge to speed up the process as it’s lagging behind compared to the rest of the country, the state formation will help to install order and relations between the two regions.” said the Envoy.

Somali government is struggling to complete the formation of state for both regions ahead of elections starting this month.