Hirshabelle to move its capital from Jowhar to Beledweyne
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Puntland Post
Hirshabelle plans to move its capital from Jowhar to Beledweyne, in the Hiiraan region, to ease tensions over power-sharing. Vice-President Abdirahman Hassan Afrah announced the measure, which is to be made official by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, according to Puntland Post.
The government of Somalia's federal state of Hirshabelle plans to move its capital from Jowhar to Beledweyne, in the Hiiraan region, Vice-President Abdifataah Xasan Afrah announced in Beledweyne on Sunday 8 November 2026. He said Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was expected to officially announce the decision in the following hours in Jowhar, during the inauguration ceremony for Hirshabelle's leaders, according to Puntland Post.
The transfer aims to ease tensions in Beledweyne linked to power-sharing between the regions of Shabeellaha Dhexe and Hiiraan, according to Abdifataah Xasan Afrah. The decision comes as Hirshabelle's authorities face political opposition in the Hiiraan region.
On 7 November, a Xawaadle leader accused the Somali authorities of invading Hiiraan, amid tensions already reported in Beledweyne Xawaadle leader accuses authorities of invading Hiiraan.
