Yusuf Ahmed Hagar Dabageed
Yusuf Ahmed Hagar | |
---|---|
Vice President of Hirshabelle | |
Assumed office 12 November 2020 | |
President | Ali Abdullahi Hussein |
Preceded by | Ali Abdullahi Hussein |
Personal details | |
Political party | Independent |
Yusuf Ahmed Hagar (Dabageed) (Template:Lang-so) is a Somali politician and current Vice President of Hirshabelle State. He was governor of the Hiran region of Somalia. He supports the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG), and was militarily supported by Ethiopia in the War in Somalia (2006–2009).
Flees Beledweyn
Yusuf Ahmed Hagar faced a pivotal moment on August 13, 2006, when the Islamic Courts Union deposed him as the regional governor of Beledweyn. Faced with resistance, Hagar chose to flee, seeking refuge in Ethiopia to regroup his forces. This marked the beginning of a period of upheaval and conflict in the region.
Advances with Ethiopians
As tensions escalated, Ethiopian troops, accompanied by militias loyal to defeated warlords, including Hagar, occupied Ballanballe in Galgadud province on December 18, 2006. The culmination of these advances resulted in the Battle of Beledweyne, fought on December 24–25, 2006. Hagar, also known as Dabageed, was reinstated to power after the success of the Ethiopian-backed invasion. In the aftermath of the battle, Hagar declared the liberation of Beledweyne, emphasizing the control gained over the town and the pursuit of the defeated Islamists. His proclamation included a symbolic gesture, declaring it legal once again to chew khat, a popular stimulant. This move was met with approval from the local population, signifying a return to normalcy.
Battle of Beledweyne
Dabageed was returned to power after the success of the Ethiopian-backed invasion of Hiran province, culminating in the Battle of Beledweyne, fought on December 24–25, 2006.
After the battle, Yusuf Dabageed said, "We have taken control of Baladweyne and our forces are chasing the terrorists. We have killed more than 60 Islamists, wounded others and captured some as prisoners of war." Following their defeat in Baladweyne, leaders of the Islamic courts called on the Ethiopian troops to withdraw.[1]
Dabageed proclaimed the town of Beledweyne was liberated and it was again legal to chew khat.[2] A truck filled with khat arriving the next day, on December 26, was met with a burst of cheers.[3]
Reprisals in Hiran and Calls for Reconciliation:
Facing potential reprisals and in an effort to prevent further bloodshed, Dabageed called for an end to three days of reprisals conducted by his loyalists and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). He reassured the population that former members of the Islamist militias, now integrated into the community, would not face harm or death. Replaced by President Yusuf and Transition in Hiiran: Despite his success in reclaiming Beledweyne, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar's tenure as the regional governor of Hiiran was short-lived. On January 1, 2007, Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed replaced him with a new administrator, Hussein Mohamud Moalim, signaling a shift in leadership.
Vice President of Hirshabelle
In a surprising turn of events, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar made a political comeback when he was elected as the Vice President of Hirshabelle on November 11, 2020. Garnering 87 votes, he emerged victorious over his competitor, Mohamed Mohamud Abdulle, who received only 12 votes. This election marked a resurgence for Hagar, showcasing his resilience and ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Somalia.
Vice President of Hirshabelle
In a surprising turn of events, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar made a political comeback when he was elected as the Vice President of Hirshabelle on November 11, 2020. Garnering 87 votes, he emerged victorious over his competitor, Mohamed Mohamud Abdulle, who received only 12 votes. This election marked a resurgence for Hagar, showcasing his resilience and ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Somalia.
References
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Anti ICU lost key towns in Somalia
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Somalia: Ethiopian forces capture town from Islamists Archived January 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Garowe Online
- ^ Bombs brush back Somali militia Daily News wire services