Somalia: Intelligence chief arrives in Galmudug amid election tensions

DHUSAMAREB, Somalia – The Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mahad Mohamed Salad, arrived in the central city of Dhuusamareeb on Thursday for talks with Galmudug regional president Ahmed Abdi Kariye “Qoorqoor,” amid rising political tensions between the federal government and the regional administration.

The visit by the intelligence chief is seen as a preliminary step ahead of an expected trip by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who is reportedly planning to travel to Dhuusamareeb in an effort to defuse growing disagreements over political arrangements and electoral processes in Galmudug.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, talks are focusing on disagreements over political participation and party alignment ahead of upcoming electoral processes in the region.

President Qoorqoor is said to be insisting on his right to compete in the political process under the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), while also signalling that he could join an alternative party if his position is not accepted. The stance is viewed in Mogadishu as a potential challenge to the federal government’s preferred electoral framework in Galmudug.

The unfolding dispute comes as the federal government seeks to harmonise electoral arrangements across federal member states, with Galmudug seen as a key battleground in the broader political transition.

The Dhuusamareeb talks are expected to continue, with officials describing them as sensitive and potentially decisive for future relations between Mogadishu and Dhusamareeb.

GAROWE ONLINE