(SomaliNet) Defense minister of the federal government ruled the port city of Kismayo and a large junk of land including many small towns in southern Somalia before the Islamic Courts forced him to flee to Baidao, the interim governmentÂ’s base. He was once neutral and mere observer of the conflict until the Islamic Courts made one of their biggest mistakes and attacked him leaving him with one option, align with the interim government. Although he was named as the defense minister in a power sharing scheme, he never worked in Baidao before he lost his turf to the courts.
Today, talking to the residents of recently captured Dinsor town, Mr. Hirale told supporters his ultimate goal is to eliminate the islamists movement throughout Somalia.
After all the rapid successes, capturing Kismayo is a breeze for the interim government and their Ethiopian ally. But, Mr. Hirale now sees himself as the commander of all Somalia military which now controls much of Somalia and advancing to consolidate power in Mogadishu.
The minister is now leading his men toward Kismayo, the second largest Islamic Courts base next to Mogadishu where the interim government wants to capture in the coming days.
Mr. HiraleÂ’s long time friend, Mr. Yusuf Mohamed Siad aka Inda Ade who ruled Marka city and lower Shabelle province took a completely different path, volunteering to join the Islamic Courts and relinquishing his regional authority in exchange of high ranking title in the Islamic Courts. He is one of a few men who were not known to be religious before the courtsÂ’ sudden rise. Mr. IndhaAde started wearing white long robe and scarf, the courtsÂ’ trademark signature after his induction. Mr. Inda Ade took part in the courts' attack on his long time friend when decided to capture Kismayo.
In the beginning of the conflict Mr. Inda Ade sided with the winning part and Hirale was pushed to losersÂ’ camp. Now, tables have been turned and the opposite is true.
http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/6206
