Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Dhusamareb on Wednesday amid intensive negotiations over Galmudug's political future. His visit comes as federal and regional leaders work to finalize an agreement on the state's election ahead of polls expected next month.
Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye receives Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre at Ugaas Nur Airport in Dhusamareb. Photo: SONNA.
DHUSAMAREB, (Somali Report) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Dhusamareb on Wednesday amid reports that negotiations over Galmudug's upcoming leadership transition and electoral process are nearing a final agreement.
The Prime Minister's visit comes as talks between Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye, known as Qoor Qoor, and National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Mahad Mohamed Salad have reportedly produced a preliminary understanding on key issues surrounding the state's election expected next month.
Sources familiar with the discussions say Hamza's trip is aimed at finalizing outstanding political issues and securing consensus among regional stakeholders before a formal agreement is announced. The visit is widely viewed as a significant step in efforts to prevent political disputes and ensure a smooth transition of leadership in one of Somalia's key federal member states.
The Prime Minister was received at Ugaas Nur Airport by President Qoor Qoor, senior Galmudug officials, traditional elders, and community representatives before holding closed-door talks with the regional leadership. Hundreds of residents gathered along the route to welcome the federal delegation, underscoring the political importance of the visit.
According to sources, the negotiations have focused on a proposed transfer of political authority to Libaan Ahmed Hassan, the candidate backed by the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), which is associated with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The talks have also centered on plans to introduce a one-person, one-vote electoral model for the state, a move supporters say would strengthen democratic participation and public accountability.
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Reports indicate that President Qoor Qoor, who was initially reluctant to endorse certain aspects of the arrangement, has moved closer to accepting the deal following several rounds of negotiations. Efforts are also underway to reconcile competing political figures and secure broad support for the electoral roadmap ahead of the vote.
The discussions come amid heightened political activity in Galmudug as leaders seek to avoid divisions that could undermine recent gains in governance and security. Political observers say the outcome of the talks could set an important precedent for future electoral processes in Somalia's federal member states.
The Prime Minister's presence in Dhusamareb is widely seen as a sign that the Federal Government wants to ensure a smooth transition and avoid political tensions ahead of the election. His administration has consistently emphasized dialogue and cooperation with regional governments as central pillars of Somalia's state-building agenda.
While officials have not publicly disclosed details of the discussions, observers say the outcome of the talks could shape the future political direction of Galmudug and influence broader federal-state relations across the country. The expected agreement could also provide clarity on the electoral framework that will guide the state's next leadership contest.
Galmudug's election is expected to take place next month under a proposed model in which residents would elect lawmakers through direct voting, after which the elected legislators would choose the regional president. Advocates of the system argue that it offers a balance between popular participation and institutional stability.
Hamza is expected to meet regional leaders, traditional elders, civil society representatives, women and youth groups, and other stakeholders during his stay as efforts continue to finalize an agreement on the state's political transition. Officials hope the visit will help cement a consensus that allows the electoral process to move forward without major disputes and reinforces stability in central Somalia.
About the Author
Mohamed Farah is a senior editor at Somali Report, based in London, covering geopolitics, trade, business, and security across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
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