Somalia: PM Heads to Galmudug as Talks Near Deal on Leadership Transition

MOGADISHU, June 24, 2026 – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre is due to travel to the central city of Dhusamareb on Wednesday as negotiations aimed at resolving a dispute over the future leadership of Galmudug state move closer to an agreement, sources familiar with the matter said.

Staff and security personnel attached to the prime minister's office arrived in the Galmudug capital on Tuesday ahead of his visit.

Talks involving Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye and the head of Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) are said to be nearing a breakthrough, with Hamza expected to help finalize the remaining issues.

The discussions are centered on a planned transfer of political authority in the central regional state to Liban Ahmed Hassan, whom President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is backing to lead Galmudug, according to the sources.

Liban is awaiting the outcome of reconciliation efforts involving two other contenders for the post, with negotiations between the rival candidates said to be in their final stages.

The visit comes amid heightened political activity in Galmudug, where efforts have intensified to secure a consensus ahead of a transition in the leadership of the federal member state.

GAROWE ONLINE