Ali Abdullahi Osoble: “The Constitution is not the Qur’an; I would like to see Hiiraan Region become an independent federal state.”

By A Yusuf

Mogadishu, Somalia–June 20, 2025 – Former President of disputed Hirshabelle regional state, Ali Abdullahi Osoble, has called on the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and members of the Somali Parliament to grant the Hiiraan region the status of an independent federal state.

Speaking about the recent reconciliation meeting concluded by President Hassan Sheikh, which was attended by some opposition politicians and political organizations, Osoble stated that Hiiraan deserves to be a federal state just like the existing ones in the country.

Politician Osoble also emphasized the need to amend the national Constitution, which he claimed currently serves the interests of specific groups.

“The Constitution is not the Qur’an. I would like to see Hiiraan province become its own federal state and Middle Shabelle have its own separate administration. As a former President of disputed Hirshabelle state, I have deep knowledge and understanding of the issues,” said former Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Osoble.

He also noted that some of the current federal member states are formed by two or three regions, while others can function with only one region.

“I am confident that if Hiiraan becomes a federal state and Middle Shabelle forms its own administration, the country will witness various forms of progress. There will be a visible harmony between communities and administrations, and it will spark nationwide competition in development and accountability,” Osoble added.

These remarks from the former president come after more than eight years of growing dissatisfaction among the people of Hiiraan over the power-sharing structure of Hirshabelle. Many have shown increasing interest in making Hiiraan an independent federal state.

Hirshabelle has been the site of continued political instability since its hasty formation as a Federal Member State (FMS) in October 2016, combining the two provinces of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. 

Throughout the process, key constituencies in Hiiraan argued that the region should be a separate FMS rather than be forced to merge with Middle Shabelle. Issues also arose around representation, with clans in both regions demanding more seats. 

Despite these challenges, in late 2016 the Federal Government of Somalia hurriedly formed Hirshabelle state to allow federal elections to go ahead.