Elders in Baladywne petition government over demolition of Dervish base

Traditional elders and intellectuals in Baladweyn are expressing concern over the demolition of the base of former Somali government forces known as dervish forces in Baledweyn.

The elders have reportedly submitted complain letter over the demolition of the building to the government leaders including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid and the speaker of the parliament.

Some of the elders are accusing the administration of selling the land and the valuable metals used to build the construction to individuals, according deputy speaker of the parliament, Dahir Amiin Jesow who spoke to Goobjoog News.

Jesow said that the administration is bulldozing the main stores of the base and other premises of owned by former forces.

“The elders who submitted the complain letter to the head of the government, have confirmed the demolishment of the buildings by administration of Baladweyn and now the administration is planning to sell the metal poles of the ruined buildings which cost 600 US dollar each,” said Jeso.

Dervish forces are Para-military police named after the soldiers of Mohamed Abdulle Hassan who was freedom fighter and who fought with British soldiers in Somalia.