Aweys to lead Hizbu Islam militants

Somali opposition leader Sheikh Aweys sits after addressing his supporters in the capital Mogadishu. PHOTO/ FILE

What you need to know:

  • Party’s founding boss gives way as battle for Somalia continues unabated

MOGADISHU, Wednesday

Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys has today assumed the leadership of Hizbu Islam (Islamic Party) that is opposing the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia.

The power transfer took place in Mogadishu when Dr Omar Iman Abubakar, the founding leader, announced his resignation.

Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Aweys stated that Hizbu Islam would desist from squabbling over power.

“Unlike other Somalis who bicker over power, we transfer authority without causing a fuss,” said Sheikh Aweys.

He congratulated Dr Abubakar for his hard work.

Dr Abubakar said that he was transferring the leadership without encountering problems.

Hizbu Islam and Al-Shabaab groups control most of southern and central regions of Somalia.

They are the two Islamist groups vehemently opposed to the TFG led by President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

Hizbu Islam was formed in early February, just days after Sheikh Sharif was elected president in Djibouti by the Transitional Federal Parliament, when it was enlarged to accommodate the opposition faction that joined the government.

The Islamist group was made of four movements; the Union of the Islamic Courts allied with Sheikh Aweys, Jabhatul-Islaamiya (Islamic Front), Anole School and Ras Kamboni Brigade.

Al-Shabaab on Monday admitted carrying out a suicide attack against the forces of the TFG last Sunday.

Sheikh Hussein Ali Fidow, the group’s political and regional affairs officer stated that one of their fighters executed the plan to neutralise the government forces in Mogadishu.

The suicide attack occurred just after midday when a vehicle packed with explosives hit a military camp in South Mogadishu.

A four wheel vehicle was used to strike the seaside camp, widely known as Hamadhowr.

Sheikh Fidow identified the assailant as Abdulkadir Hassan Mohamed alias Atir, and described him as a martyr.

“Abdulkadir Atir was a courageous man who hailed from Madina District in Mogadishu,” said Sheikh Fidow.