Somalia: Rift Deepens Between President and Intelligence Chief Over Galmudug Election

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A deepening political dispute between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Mahad Salad has heightened fears of possible violence in the central Galmudug state, according to sources familiar with the talks.

Political negotiations between the two sides appear to have collapsed after a series of meetings in Mogadishu over the future leadership of Galmudug ahead of the regional presidential election.

Sources said the latest meeting between President Hassan Sheikh and Hussein Ali Salad ended without agreement, after the president reportedly insisted that Libaan Shuluq should be installed as Galmudug president through what insiders described as “political and security measures.”

Following the talks, Hussein Ali Salad reportedly briefed Mahad Salad and proposed two options: either accept the president’s plan and cooperate with the federal leadership, or broaden political consultations to preserve stability in Galmudug.

According to sources close to the discussions, Mahad Salad responded by outlining three conditions for any agreement with Villa Somalia.

He called for the political impasse in Galmudug to be resolved peacefully, demanded an open and competitive election involving all rival candidates, and argued that the regional leadership should ultimately go to whoever could secure broad support, including the confidence of incumbent Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor.

Mahad Salad also warned he would not support any effort that could lead to bloodshed in Dhuusamareeb, the regional capital, the sources said.

The growing rift now threatens to fracture relations between the Somali presidency and the intelligence chief, once regarded as close political allies.

Sources familiar with the discussions said President Hassan Sheikh remains determined to move against President Qoorqoor politically if he refuses to hand over influence in Galmudug to Liban Shuluq.

Neither Villa Somalia nor NISA publicly commented on the reported meetings. However, the developments have intensified concerns among political observers that the dispute over Galmudug’s leadership could trigger a broader security crisis in central Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE