The extremist group Al-Shabaab Kharijites recently wreaked havoc in the Xarardheere district of southern Mudug, causing widespread destruction to historic sites, markets, health centers, and schools. The impact on the local economy and community was significant, leading many business owners to flee. The Kharijites subjected the business community to harassment and theft, among other illegal actions. However, since the government forces removed the Kharijites, the Xarardheere district governor is calling on the public to return and reopen their businesses. The government is now in full control of the district and is working to eliminate any remaining extremist forces.
After being removed from the Xarardheere district, the remnants of the cruel actions of the Kharijites were seen in the area. The National News Agency has been monitoring the general situation in Xarardheere and visited the district’s historic sites such as the markets, health centers, and schools, all of which were completely destroyed by the Kharijites. Some of these places, like the famous central market, have been abandoned for a long time due to the Kharijites’ constant harassment of the local people. This serves as proof of how the Kharijites even prevented social interaction and community gatherings
During their control over the Xarardheere district, the Kharijites also inflicted suffering and harm on both the business owners and potential investors in the area. Some fled the district, while others who were unable to leave chose to endure the constant harassment from the Kharijites that had plagued the Xarardheere district for a long time. Xarardheere, a strategic coastal city located in southern Mudug region, was once a thriving business hub.
Abdullahi Abdi (Qorey), a businessman from the Mudug region, spoke to the Somali National News Agency about the difficulties that led business owners to flee the area. He stated that the Kharijites had constantly subjected the business community to harassment and illegal actions, causing them to leave the district.
Threats, commands that we were powerless to resist, and daily extortions were among the difficulties we faced,” said businessman Abdullahi Cabdi. “These and more led to the decline of business in the district.” Abdullahi Cabdi (Qorey) also called on the businessmen of the Mudug region to visit the Xarardheere district and witness the business needs in the area, so that the community can regain the services it once had.
Not only did the Khawaarij inflict harm on business owners in the Mudug region while they controlled it, but they also committed atrocities such as killings, arrests, theft, and destruction on business owners in other areas they had been ousted from. However, once the government arrived, many of the community services such as local governance and
security institutions were re-established to provide the people with government services.
The Xarardheere district governor, Maxamuud Yuusuf (Kulmiye), has called on the public to return to the area and reopen their businesses.
‘I have come to you to save our lives and assets, not to be the enemy who has been causing you harm for so long. We need to return to the area and revive business, anyone who refuses to comply will face consequences,’ said the Xarardheere district Governor Mohamud Yusuf (Kulmiye).
The atrocities committed by the Khawaarij against the Somali people cannot be summed up in one story alone, causing the people to rise up and reject the Khawaarij who had taken their lives and assets. Ultimately, they were defeated and removed from most of the areas where they had been causing harm to the population.”
The district of Xarardheere in southern Mudug region is now under full control of freedom fighters and the national army. The national and local troops have completely taken over and are committed to freeing the area from the extremist group and restoring peace and security in the district and the country as a whole. Despite ongoing operations against remnants of the extremist group, the strong forces of the army and the community are determined to eradicate the remnants and bring stability to the country.
By Abdiqani Abdullahi
