Former President Farmaajo calls for unity as Somalia nears elections

by BRIAN ORUTAThursday April 30, 2026

Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has urged Somalis to rally around national unity and reinforce democratic institutions as the country heads toward a new electoral cycle, saying political calm must outweigh personal or factional ambition.

Speaking in a recent interview with journalist Suleyman Hashi, Farmajo presented Somalia’s political path as a measure of how well its institutions can withstand pressure, rather than as a showdown between rival political camps. He stressed the need for cohesion at a time when the country has often faced uncertainty and strain.

“Somalia must move forward through unity and a commitment to strengthening its democratic institutions,” Farmajo said, reiterating a central theme of his post-presidency messaging.

His comments come as Somalia nears another consequential election period, with previous cycles frequently clouded by disputes over electoral systems, security concerns and competing political claims.

Many observers view Farmajo’s remarks as an effort to shape the pre-election conversation, steering it toward stability and institutional reform instead of political confrontation.

Since leaving office, Farmajo has continued to play an active role in national debate, regularly championing state-building reforms and calls for reconciliation.

In his latest intervention, he kept the focus squarely on domestic priorities, particularly the need to protect institutional stability during a sensitive electoral season.

Somalia’s political arena remains burdened by a mix of challenges, from security threats and federal-state tensions to continuing arguments over electoral reform.

As elections draw nearer, appeals for unity and stronger institutions are likely to stay at the center of political debate.

Farmajo’s remarks add to the wider discussion over the future of Somalia’s democratic process, highlighting both the prospects and the difficulties facing the country as it works to deepen governance structures and preserve national cohesion.