Political Contest for Somalia’s Parliament Speaker: Villa Somalia Backs Abdulkadir Jaamac with Ankara’s Suppor

MOGADISHU – Villa Somalia is reportedly facing difficulties in finalizing a successor for the former Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madobe), who has now assumed the presidency of the South West State, according to political sources.

The search for a new speaker has become a contentious issue, with the presidency seeking a candidate who can facilitate the passage of legislation and government plans during the extended term allowed by the newly adopted constitution. A strong campaign is underway to ensure that the candidate backed by the presidency secures the position.

The Contender: Abdulkadir Mohamed Jaamac

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly been lobbying members of parliament and politicians from South West State to support the candidacy of the younger politician and current Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Jaamac. Jaamac is seen as a key ally of the presidency and has been a minister without interruption since 2021.

Minister Jaamac recently made headlines by depositing 15 international maritime instruments with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), marking a significant achievement for Somalia’s blue economy. His political career is said to have begun at the Somali embassy in Ankara, Turkey, and he is widely considered to have a very close relationship with the Turkish government. Some political observers describe him as a key proxy for Turkish interests in Somalia, although this has not been independently verified.

The Pressure from Turkey

According to sources, the Turkish government and its allies are exerting significant pressure on Villa Somalia to implement its plan for the new speaker. This comes as Turkey continues to be one of Somalia’s most influential international partners, involved in a wide range of areas from security to development.

While Turkey has previously engaged in mediation efforts between Somali political rivals, its reported push for a specific candidate in the parliamentary leadership race has raised questions about its political involvement in internal Somali affairs.

Madobe’s Resistance and Acquiescence

Former Speaker Aden Madobe was reportedly initially opposed to the plan to appoint Minister Jaamac as his successor. However, he is said to have been convinced to offer his support after significant pressure from Turkey, with which he has maintained close ties. As Speaker, Madobe met with his Turkish counterpart on multiple occasions, discussing collaboration and attending conferences together.

Following his resignation from the speakership, Aden Madobe was praised by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for his role in strengthening parliament and supporting state-building. He was subsequently elected as the President of South West State in a landslide victory. His move to regional leadership has created a leadership vacuum at the federal parliament, which the presidency is now seeking to fill. He has also led security meetings in Baidoa since taking office.

Way Forward

The internal maneuvering for the speakership is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The outcome will be a critical indicator of the balance of power within the federal government and the extent of Turkish influence in Somalia’s domestic political affairs. The process is being closely watched by political observers, who see it as a key test for the stability of the current administration and its ability to manage its parliamentary majority.