Mogadishu, Somalia – Tensions are mounting within Somalia’s ruling party as internal disputes over the nomination for Mogadishu’s mayoral seat threaten to fracture the movement ahead of the upcoming local elections. The disagreement pits two of the party’s most prominent figures — incumbent mayor Hassan Muungaab and his predecessor Yusuf Madale — against each other in a power struggle that has quickly spilled into the public arena.
The simmering discord turned into open confrontation after a major party gathering on Tuesday overwhelmingly endorsed Muungaab as its preferred candidate. Supporters hailed the decision as a show of confidence in his leadership and urban reform record. However, the endorsement appeared to sideline key factions within the party, including those aligned with Madale, who described the move as an exclusionary decision that undermined the democratic process.
By Wednesday morning, the dispute had taken a sharper tone. Madale denounced the endorsement as a unilateral act and warned that if left unresolved, it could ignite a political crisis within the president’s camp. His remarks struck a chord among members who have grown uneasy about how nominations are being handled ahead of the elections.
The ruling party, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has long presented itself as a symbol of unity and reform. Yet, this internal clash exposes deeper fractures over political influence in Mogadishu — a city that remains both the heart of Somalia’s political power and a barometer for national stability.
Observers say the fallout could extend beyond the capital. The mayoral contest has become a test of loyalty and leadership within the party, reflecting broader tensions between those advocating centralized control of candidate selection and others pushing for greater grassroots participation.
As the election draws closer, efforts to mediate between the rival camps are reportedly underway. Still, uncertainty lingers over whether compromise is possible. For now, the ruling party finds itself at a crossroads — torn between unity and ambition, as personal rivalries threaten to overshadow its political agenda at a critical moment for Somalia’s democratic transition.