Tension high in Beletweyne ahead of HOP058 by-election

GOOBJOOG NEWS/BELETWEYNE: Tension is high in Beletweyne town after heavily armed rebel forces are said to have taken control of key areas in the town. 

The rebel forces are said to be in protest of the election procedure of HOP059, with claims surfacing that some Hirshabelle leaders including Vice President Dabageed were interfering with the HOP059 seat.

The armed men have also reportedly taken control of the Lamagalaay camp, which is the venue of the second parliamentary elections in the Hirshabelle state.

Reliable sources have, however, hinted that talks are underway to resolve the dispute surrounding the HOP059 seat, previously held by Samira Hassan Abdulle.