DHUUSAMAREEB (Kaab TV) – Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoorqoor) has officially announced that he will not seek another term in the upcoming Galmudug presidential election, marking a significant turning point in the political landscape of the federal member state ahead of its leadership transition.

Qoorqoor made the announcement during celebrations marking Somalia’s Independence Day on the night of June 26 at the Galmudug Presidential Palace in Dhusamareeb. The event was attended by senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, Galmudug leaders, lawmakers, traditional elders, and other invited guests.

The decision follows days of high-level political consultations between President Qoorqoor and the Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mahad Mohamed Salad, who is reported to have represented former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during the negotiations. According to sources familiar with the talks, discussions focused on the future political leadership of Galmudug and efforts to ensure that the upcoming election proceeds through political consensus rather than confrontation.

Political sources indicate that the negotiations ultimately resulted in Qoorqoor agreeing to withdraw from the race, paving the way for a new leadership arrangement within the state. Reports also suggest that former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is backing businessman Libaan Ahmed Hassan (Shuluq), who hails from the southern part of Galkayo, as his preferred candidate for the Galmudug presidency. However, no official endorsement has yet been publicly announced.

Qoorqoor’s withdrawal is expected to significantly reshape the electoral contest, as he had widely been viewed as the strongest contender for another term. His exit opens the field to new candidates and is likely to trigger fresh political realignments among Galmudug’s traditional elders, lawmakers, and influential political figures ahead of the vote.

Ahmed Abdi Kariye assumed office in February 2020 and has become the longest-serving president in Galmudug’s history since the federal member state was established. During his tenure, his administration oversaw efforts to strengthen state institutions, expand security operations against Al-Shabaab, promote reconciliation among local communities, improve public services, and deepen cooperation with the Federal Government on governance and stabilization initiatives.

Supporters credit Qoorqoor with helping consolidate Galmudug’s institutions during a period of political and security challenges, while critics argue that persistent insecurity, political disputes, and limited delivery of basic public services remain unresolved despite years in office.

The Galmudug presidential election is expected to be one of Somalia’s most closely watched regional political contests, with its outcome likely to influence political dynamics not only within the state but also at the federal level as the country continues to navigate broader constitutional and electoral debates. Political observers believe the coming weeks will be crucial as candidates position themselves to succeed Qoorqoor and shape Galmudug’s future leadership.