MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has returned to the country after years in self-imposed exile, reigniting speculation over his political ambitions as Somalia prepares for a highly contentious presidential election next year.
Farmajo, who lost office in 2022 after a divisive and extended electoral process, arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday to an enthusiastic welcome from supporters and political allies. His homecoming comes at a time of deepening political discord, with rival factions locked in disputes over the organisation and credibility of the forthcoming vote.
The former president’s return is viewed as a calculated move to reassert his influence and position himself as a key contender in the race for the presidency. His camp has indicated that his focus will be on efforts to stabilise the political landscape, promote an inclusive electoral process, and reinforce national unity amid widening rifts between the federal government and regional states.
Mogadishu has become a hub for returning politicians and aspiring candidates seeking to consolidate their bases ahead of the election. Many opposition figures have rallied under the National Salvation Forum, an umbrella alliance formed to challenge the current administration’s approach to governance and electoral management. Farmajo, however, has chosen to remain independent, planning to pursue his campaign separately from the coalition.
Political analysts suggest that Farmajo’s re-entry could shift the balance within Somalia’s fragmented opposition, intensifying competition among veteran powerbrokers and further polarising the political scene. His influence among sections of the security establishment and key clans is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the dynamics of the forthcoming race.
Somalia’s political environment remains fragile, with disputes over electoral procedures, representation, and federal power-sharing continuing to strain relations between Mogadishu and regional capitals. Farmajo’s return adds a new dimension to the uncertainty, signalling a potentially turbulent period as the nation moves closer to another critical election year.
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