MOGADISHU, Somalia – A delegation of senior Somali politicians and former lawmakers returned to Mogadishu after several days of meetings in Dhuusamareeb with Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kaariye “Qoorqoor,” according to people familiar with the discussions.
The delegation, largely composed of political figures from the Galmudug region, had been holding consultations aimed at conveying messages between regional and federal actors, sources said.
Key Issues Discussed
Among the key issues discussed, according to the sources, was a proposal that Qoorqoor be allowed to participate in upcoming elections as a candidate under a separate political party, alongside questions over the composition and independence of the electoral commission. The talks were also described as part of broader efforts to open a channel of dialogue between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Qoorqoor.
The federal government has designated a single candidate to represent the ruling Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) in the upcoming presidential election for Galmudug state, with Liban Ahmed Hassan, commonly referred to as Liban Shuluq, receiving the exclusive backing of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the election scheduled for July 9.
The discussions in Dhuusamareeb reportedly remained inconclusive, with disagreements persisting over political guarantees, electoral neutrality and regional autonomy-related demands, the sources added. A dangerous political rift has emerged at the core of Somalia’s federal government and security apparatus over disagreements on who will lead Galmudug, with ties between President Mohamud and Qoorqoor deteriorating substantially in recent weeks.
Separate Talks with Liibaan Axmed
Separately, confidential sources in Villa Somalia said that talks were held on Sunday between federal government officials and Liibaan Axmed, a political figure seen as a potential contender in Galmudug-related political arrangements. The discussions reportedly focused on the evolving political situation in Galmudug, though no details were made public.
The political disagreement focuses on Qoorqoor’s desire for a second term, conflicting with the federal government’s objective of installing Liban Shuluq as the new regional head. Although the national election board has scheduled local and parliamentary elections for July, political engagement has remained minimal in Dhuusamareeb, the regional capital.
Business Figures Urge Negotiated Settlement
Meanwhile, business figures have also entered the political conversation, urging a negotiated settlement to the tensions surrounding Galmudug’s political future, particularly involving Qoorqoor. They are reportedly pushing for a final agreement before the first week of June.
A high-stakes confrontation has emerged between the Federal Government and the Galmudug State administration following a controversial dual appointment for the position of Galmudug Police Chief. The federal authorities appointed Colonel Mohamed Dahir Abdulle, while President Qoorqoor issued a state decree rejecting the federal move and officially reappointed Khaliif Abdulle Maalin (Ilkacase).
Intelligence Chief Enters the Fray
The crisis has been further complicated by the involvement of NISA Director Mahad Mohamed Salad. Mahad Salad reportedly informed both President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre directly that he plans to run for the Galmudug presidency himself – a move considered in political circles to be a notable blow to Villa Somalia.
The power conflict has also divided local security units. While federal officials have gained control of most of Galmudug’s police and intelligence organizations, a significant challenge persists as the primary military installation in the region maintains allegiance to Qoorqoor, creating a considerable security threat that hinders Mogadishu’s objective to reconfigure the regional administration.
Looking Ahead
Neither the federal government nor Galmudug regional authorities have publicly commented on the reported discussions. As relations between Villa Somalia and regional leaders continue to deteriorate, the country seems trapped in a high-stakes political deadlock with no immediate solution in sight.
The intensifying disagreements arrive during a politically sensitive period for Somalia’s federal administration, which is already confronting increasing challenges related to electoral controversies and political legitimacy. Analysts suggest that the power conflict developing in Galmudug could substantially influence Somalia’s political path in the coming months.
