MOGADISHU – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre plans to visit Dhusamareeb, the Galmudug State capital, amid growing political disagreements between regional President Ahmed Abdi Karie (Qoorqoor) and the federal administration in Villa Somalia.
Trusted sources have confirmed the Prime Minister’s impending journey, noting that the main purpose is to mediate and address the intensifying political divide in Galmudug. Over the past few days, Barre has held multiple consultation meetings in Mogadishu to ease the situation, apparently collaborating with Mahad Salad, head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
Preparations Underway in Dhusamareeb
Local journalists report that arrangements to welcome the Prime Minister are already in progress in Dhusamareeb, where Barre will likely commence immediate high-level discussions. Based on the planned schedule, Barre will engage with President Qoorqoor, who has recently separated himself from the federal presidency due to disputes concerning the framework for the upcoming Galmudug regional elections. A delegation of senior Somali politicians and former lawmakers recently returned to Mogadishu after several days of meetings in Dhuusamareeb with Qoorqoor, holding consultations aimed at conveying messages between regional and federal actors [citation:2].
The Central Conflict: Federal Government Seeks Political Change
The central conflict revolves around the federal government in Villa Somalia allegedly advocating for a political change in Galmudug, intending to support a candidate from the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) in the July presidential election. The federal government has designated a single candidate to represent the ruling 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 [citation:5].
Local speculation suggests businessman Liban Ahmed Hassan might be the preferred choice from the federal side, assuming Mogadishu’s position stays consistent. 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 [citation:2]. In contrast, the Galmudug constitution allows Qoorqoor to seek re-election, establishing a clear separation between local leadership aspirations and federal objectives.
Deteriorating Ties Between Mohamud and Qoorqoor
Ties between President Mohamud and Qoorqoor have deteriorated substantially in recent weeks, fueled by competing efforts to control the regional election schedule and procedures. Qoorqoor has reportedly spent months lobbying for JSP backing for a second term, leaning heavily on his years of close cooperation with the federal president, while federal officials worry the current leader might use his local influence to obstruct or postpone the regional parliamentary and presidential elections [citation:5].
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. 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, with federal authorities appointing Colonel Mohamed Dahir Abdulle while a defiant Qoorqoor issued a state decree rejecting the federal move [citation:5].
Troop Deployment and Security Concerns
The Somali government has sent troops to Dhusamareeb in an effort to gain complete control of the Federal State. Somalia’s federal government has rapidly transported heavy military equipment to the central town of Dhusamareb, with the armaments reportedly set to equip approximately 1,000 newly trained soldiers currently stationed near the Galmudug administrative center. This deployment comes shortly after the federal government airlifted additional troops to the nearby district of Guriel [citation:3].
Previous Mediation Efforts by Prime Minister Barre
This is not the first time Prime Minister Barre has attempted to mediate between the federal government and Galmudug leadership. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre concluded the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies’ Annual Forum in Dhusamareb, using the occasion to reaffirm federal commitments to national cohesion. Barre called on Somali political leaders to unify and affirmed Mogadishu’s openness to talks while maintaining a firm stance against any step that could fracture national unity [citation:1].
Looking Ahead
Galmudug residents are carefully monitoring the situation, with numerous individuals worried that the current conflict presents a considerable danger to the state’s stability and social unity. The Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Dhusamareeb represents a critical opportunity to bridge the widening gap between Villa Somalia and the Galmudug leadership.
The outcome of these mediation efforts could substantially shape the political landscape of central Somalia, particularly as the July 9 presidential election approaches. For now, all eyes remain on Dhusamareeb as residents and political observers await the Prime Minister’s arrival and the potential for meaningful dialogue between the feuding parties.
