Dhuusamareeb, Somalia — Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, arrived in Dhuusamareeb on Wednesday for an official visit to Galmudug State amid increasing political attention surrounding the region’s upcoming presidential election.
The Prime Minister was received at Dhuusamareeb Airport by Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kaariye, senior regional officials and representatives from different sectors of society, including elders, women and youth groups. Crowds carrying Somali national and Galmudug state flags gathered to welcome the delegation.
According to the Federal Government, the visit is intended to strengthen cooperation between the federal administration and regional authorities, while advancing state-building initiatives and engagement with local communities.
Prime Minister Barre is expected to hold meetings with Galmudug’s leadership and community representatives during his multi-day visit.
The visit comes at a politically sensitive time for Galmudug, where discussions over the forthcoming presidential election have intensified in recent months.
President Ahmed Abdi Kaariye, also known as Qoorqoor, has publicly stated his intention to seek another term and has called for an open and competitive electoral process. He has also argued that the Federal Government should not interfere in the internal political affairs of the regional state.
Political observers have closely watched developments in Dhuusamareeb amid reports of efforts by figures in Villa Somalia to influence the outcome of the election. However, no official agreement or endorsement of any candidate has been publicly announced.
Mahad Mohamed Salad, Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), who hails from Galmudug, was also present during the visit. Local media reports suggest ongoing consultations aimed at easing political tensions surrounding the electoral process.
The developments in Galmudug follow wider national debate over relations between Somalia’s Federal Government and member states, particularly after previous regional electoral processes drew criticism from opposition groups and political stakeholders over concerns about transparency and federal influence.
No official timetable has yet been announced for the Galmudug presidential election.
