Inside Villa Somalia: The Growing Rift Over Galmudug’s Leadership

MOGADISHU — A deepening political rift is emerging at the heart of Somalia’s federal leadership, as mounting tensions over the future leadership of Galmudug expose growing cracks within President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s inner circle.

Sources familiar with the matter told Garowe Online that President Hassan Sheikh, shortly after returning from Djibouti where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, privately encouraged one of his close political allies — a businessman said to wield significant influence over revenues linked to the Mira (Khat) trade — to prepare for a bid for the Galmudug presidency.

The move reportedly angered National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Mahad Salad, who in recent years has become one of the president’s most trusted political and security allies inside Villa Somalia.

According to political insiders, the dispute is tied to a broader power-sharing arrangement that has quietly been under discussion among senior figures in Mogadishu and Djibouti. President Hassan Sheikh had allegedly assured officials close to the Djiboutian leadership that former Somali police commander and current federal lawmaker Sadiq John would eventually take over the leadership of NISA.

Under that plan, Mahad Salad was expected to transition into regional politics and pursue the presidency of Galmudug, while Sadiq John would assume command of the intelligence agency.

But sources say the arrangement began to unravel after President Hassan Sheikh shifted course and instead encouraged Libaan Shuluq to enter the Galmudug presidential race, triggering frustration among key figures who believed earlier commitments had been abandoned.

In recent hours, Mahad Salad is said to have directly informed President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre that he intends to personally contest the Galmudug presidency — a development widely viewed in political circles as a significant setback for Villa Somalia.

Political sources also indicate that Mahad Salad has distanced himself from discussions surrounding a possible extension of the federal government’s mandate, emphasizing instead that his political focus is now firmly fixed on Galmudug.

Meanwhile, Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie “Qoor Qoor” appeared to issue veiled criticism toward President Hassan Sheikh during his Eid address on Friday. According to reliable sources, Qoor Qoor is preparing to organize an election in the town of Adado, a political stronghold closely tied to his clan base.

The escalating tensions come at a politically fragile moment for Somalia’s federal government, which is already facing mounting pressure over electoral disputes, political legitimacy, and uncertainty surrounding the country’s next political transition.

Analysts say the power struggle unfolding in Galmudug could significantly shape Somalia’s political trajectory in the months ahead, particularly as alliances inside Villa Somalia continue to shift behind the scenes.