Former Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoor Qoor has announced plans to re-establish contact with former South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and send a delegation to meet him, as the regional administration enters a new political phase following a change in leadership.
Qoor Qoor described Laftagareen as a close personal friend and said their relationship would continue despite the latter no longer holding public office.
He indicated that he intended to contact him directly and arrange a visit by a delegation, although he did not disclose who would be included or when the meeting might take place.
“We will contact Laftagareen and send him a delegation. We were close friends, and he is a good man,” Qoor Qoor said.
The announcement comes amid continuing political discussions in South West State following Laftagareen’s departure from the presidency.
His exit has not ended the political activity of figures who served alongside him or supported his administration, with questions remaining over their role in the region’s evolving political landscape.
Qoor Qoor’s remarks also highlight the relationships that former regional leaders maintain after leaving office.
During his presidency, he developed political and personal ties with leaders of other federal member states. His proposed outreach to Laftagareen suggests he intends to preserve those connections beyond his time in office.
The planned delegation could provide an opportunity for the two former presidents to discuss their personal relationship, the political situation in South West State and wider developments in Somalia.
However, Qoor Qoor has not indicated that the visit is intended to advance a specific political initiative, and there is no confirmation that the delegation will hold meetings with other political figures.
Laftagareen led South West State for several years, during which the administration remained an important actor in relations between federal member states and the Federal Government in Mogadishu.
His departure has brought a new leadership arrangement and renewed attention to the position of his former allies and supporters.
Qoor Qoor, meanwhile, left office following Galmudug’s leadership election on October 22, 2026, in which Liibaan Ahmed Hassan was elected as his successor.
Liibaan secured 72 votes, while his rival received 14, according to the reported results. Qoor Qoor has since joined the ranks of former Somali regional leaders who may continue to participate in political consultations and informal engagement.
Former presidents and other senior political figures have often remained involved in Somalia’s political affairs after leaving office.
They can maintain relationships with serving officials, participate in dialogue and consultations, and engage in efforts to address disagreements between political actors.
Such involvement, however, does not necessarily mean they hold an official mandate or represent a particular administration.
Whether Qoor Qoor’s planned delegation will develop into broader political consultations remains unclear.
For now, his public statement centres on renewing a personal relationship with Laftagareen, while the timing, membership and agenda of the proposed visit have yet to be announced.