Deputy Minister Al-Cadaala Rallies Galmudug Support for JSP Candidate Liban Ahmed Hassan Ahead of July 20 Election

DHUSAMAREB – Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Cadaala, who is leading the campaign team for Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) candidate Liban Ahmed Hassan (Liban Shuluq) in the upcoming Galmudug presidential election, has met with ministers, officials, and youth leaders in Dhusamareb to rally support for the party’s candidate.

The meeting, held in the Galmudug capital, was part of efforts to mobilise support for Liban Ahmed Hassan, commonly known as Liban Shuluq, who has received the exclusive backing of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the regional presidency. Al-Cadaala briefed the attendees on the importance of the upcoming election and called on them to vote for the JSP candidate, describing him as the most suitable person to lead Galmudug at this critical time.

The federal government has designated Liban Ahmed Hassan as the sole candidate to represent the JSP in the upcoming Galmudug presidential election, effectively clearing the field of internal challengers for the vote scheduled for July 20, 2026.

Campaign Rally in Dhusamareb

Deputy Minister Al-Cadaala told the gathering that Liban Ahmed Hassan is the right person to lead Galmudug because he understands the needs of the region and has the knowledge and capability that the party has recognised in selecting him. He called on the people of Galmudug to participate fully in the electoral process and to cast their votes for the JSP candidate.

The officials and youth leaders who attended the meeting welcomed Al-Cadaala’s appeal and pledged to take part in the elections and support the JSP. The meeting reflects the increasing political activity in Galmudug as the region prepares for the presidential election, which is expected to take place later this month.

The National Independent Electoral Commission has officially scheduled the Galmudug presidential election to take place on July 20, 2026, with 215,860 individuals successfully enrolled and issued voting cards across the Galgaduud and Mudug regions.

Political Context

The campaign comes after a period of intense political negotiations in Galmudug. Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoor-Qoor) announced his withdrawal from the presidential race following talks with Federal Government officials aimed at resolving differences over the electoral process. Qoor-Qoor confirmed that he would step back from the race and support the direction set by the Federal Government.

A political rift emerged at the core of Somalia’s federal government and security apparatus over disagreements on who will lead Galmudug. The crisis stemmed from a bitter disagreement between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and NISA Director Mahad Mohamed Salad, who had also planned to run for the Galmudug presidency.

Previous Tensions Over JSP Presence

The JSP’s efforts to expand its presence in Galmudug have faced resistance in the past. Galmudug regional authorities rejected efforts by the JSP to set up party offices and appoint representatives in districts across the state, deeming the action illegal and contrary to political party regulations. The Galmudug Ministry of Interior stated the appointments lacked legal foundation and highlighted that the state was completing guidelines to regulate political parties’ involvement in elections.

Way Forward

As Galmudug prepares for the July 20 presidential election, political activity in the region is expected to intensify. The JSP’s campaign, led by Deputy Minister Al-Cadaala, aims to secure support for Liban Ahmed Hassan, while other political actors continue to position themselves for the vote. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the balance of power in central Somalia and the broader federal system.