Hawadle clan crowns sultan to forge unity, political future

There was pomp and colour in Baladweyne  as a new sultan was crowned in a bid to forge harmony, peace and cultural progress.

Hundreds of the Hawadle sub-clan of the Somali community, saw Ugas Hassan Ugas Khaliif Ugas Roble anointed as the Sultan (Somali traditional king) in the event held in El-Jale village which is located on the outskirt Beledweyne town of Central Somalia.

The ceremony was attended by religious and political leaders including Somali deputy parliament speaker,Mahad Awad, lawmaker, Mohamud Hassan Qone , minister for internal security.

“This is an institution which has existed for over 200 years. The clan system has been very strong among the Somalis. A figurehead is therefore very necessary,”  Mahad Awad said.

Over twenty sultans from the neighbouring regions led the crowning of the new sultan, whose father – the powerful Ugas Khaliif Ugas Robl died.

The clan had been without a sultan since then.

Roble took oath office and is now expected to rise above clan division and seek peace and unity with other clans within and outside the county.

“This is a great responsibility placed on my shoulders. I shall be the symbol of oneness and peace among all communities within and outside this region,” he said after being crowned.

Although the organizers of the historical ceremony have stayed clear of politics as the race to the parliamentary seats gains momentum, the anointing of the Sultan is believed to have political undertones.

The ceremony has brought to life the often sleepy and dry village of Eljale.