Gudlawe meets EU envoy amid rebellion over his presidency

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU:   Newly elected president of HirShabelle Ali Gudlawe Saturday held talks with EU ambassador to Somalia Nicolas Berlanga amidst an ongoing rebellion in Hiiraan over his elections.

The EU embassy in Mogadishu said the two leaders ‘they had constructive discussions on state developing issues including improvement of local governance policy and implementing key development projects in the state.’

Gudlawe has faced resistance in Hiiraan region following what the region terms as a violation of a rotational presidency agreement. According to leaders in the region, a new president was supposed to come from Hiiraan region.

Protests broke out in Beletweyne last month while a faction led by former army general Abukar Huud has threatened to lead a break away from HirShabelle.