Somalia: Rift Deepens Between President and Intelligence Chief Over Galmudug Election
After the talks, Hussein Ali Salad is said to have updated Mahad Salad and presented two possible paths forward: either accept the president’s approach and work with the federal leadership, or widen consultations to help safeguard stability in...
Somalia: Rift Deepens Between President and Intelligence Chief Over Galmudug Election
MOGADISHU, Somalia — A widening clash between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Mahad Salad has raised alarm over the risk of unrest in central Galmudug, according to people familiar with the talks.
- Advertisement -
What began as a round of political consultations in Mogadishu has now soured into a breakdown in negotiations over who should lead Galmudug ahead of the regional presidential election.
Sources said the most recent meeting between President Hassan Sheikh and Hussein Ali Salad ended in deadlock after the president reportedly pressed for Libaan Shuluq to be placed in the Galmudug presidency through what insiders described as “political and security measures.”
After the talks, Hussein Ali Salad is said to have updated Mahad Salad and presented two possible paths forward: either accept the president’s approach and work with the federal leadership, or widen consultations to help safeguard stability in Galmudug.
People close to the discussions said Mahad Salad laid out three conditions for any understanding with Villa Somalia.
He said the political standoff in Galmudug must be settled peacefully, insisted on an open and competitive vote that includes all rival candidates, and maintained that the region should ultimately be led by whoever can win broad backing, including the confidence of incumbent Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor.
Mahad Salad also made clear that he would oppose any move that could spill blood in Dhuusamareeb, the regional capital, according to the sources.
The dispute has sharpened tensions between the Somali presidency and the intelligence chief, who were once seen as close political allies.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said President Hassan Sheikh is still determined to move politically against President Qoorqoor if he refuses to cede influence in Galmudug to Liban Shuluq.
Villa Somalia and NISA have not publicly addressed the reported meetings. Still, the latest developments have deepened concern among political watchers that the fight over Galmudug’s leadership could spark a wider security crisis in central Somalia.
AXADLETM
