Beledweyne, Somalia — The newly appointed Governor of Hiiraan region, Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, known widely as Mohamed Hussein Arab, officially took office on Friday with a firm promise to restore law and order in Beledweyne, a city that has recently been shaken by a surge in insecurity and criminal violence.
During the handover ceremony from outgoing governor Muse Salad Wehliye, the new regional leader struck a resolute tone, pledging that his administration would move swiftly to confront armed gangs, theft, and public unrest. His words carried both urgency and empathy — a recognition of the fear and frustration that have gripped the residents of Beledweyne in recent months.
“Starting tonight, we will no longer allow thieves to harass poor mothers or terrorize residents in Beledweyne,” he declared, speaking with conviction to a crowd of officials, elders, and community members gathered for the ceremony.
Governor Arab emphasized that restoring peace would require cooperation between local authorities, security forces, and ordinary citizens. He appealed to former officials, clan leaders, and youth groups to work hand in hand to rebuild trust and unity within the region.
Beledweyne, the bustling capital of Hiiraan, has endured a difficult stretch marked by rising incidents of armed robbery, targeted killings, and sporadic clashes. Many residents say the deteriorating security has disrupted livelihoods and deepened public anxiety, particularly in neighborhoods once considered relatively safe.
Governor Arab’s appointment signals renewed federal attention on Hiiraan — a region that has long been both strategically vital and politically sensitive. His promise to act decisively against lawlessness has raised cautious hope among residents yearning for a return to normalcy.
As night fell over Beledweyne, the governor’s words echoed a sentiment shared by many in the crowd — a desire for peace not as a slogan, but as a lived reality. Whether his bold commitments can turn into lasting stability remains to be seen, but for the weary residents of Hiiraan, his first day in office offered a glimmer of optimism amid uncertainty.