Somalia’s Justice and Solidarity Party unveils Liibaan Ahmed as candidate for Galmudug presidency

The Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) has officially unveiled Liibaan Ahmed Hassan as its candidate for the upcoming Galmudug State presidential election, positioning him to contest in what is expected to be a closely watched political race within Somalia’s federal member states.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at the party’s headquarters in Mogadishu, attended by senior party officials, members of parliament, cabinet ministers, former government officials and other political leaders. 

The event followed an internal party selection process that culminated in Hassan’s endorsement as the party’s presidential flagbearer.

Among those in attendance was Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, who also serves as the deputy chairperson of JSP. 

Addressing the gathering, Jama underscored the country’s ongoing democratic reforms, particularly efforts to transition to a one-person, one-vote electoral system.

“Somalia is making significant progress in its democratic journey,” Jama said, expressing confidence that Galmudug could play a leading role in strengthening democratic governance and state institutions.

Speaking after accepting the nomination, Hassan outlined his vision for Galmudug, pledging to prioritise transparency, security, economic development and inclusive governance if elected.

“My administration will focus on strengthening state institutions while promoting unity and stability across Galmudug,” Hassan said.

“Our goal is to build a government that serves all citizens fairly and effectively.”

Hassan enters the race with experience in public service, including roles in state-building, electoral management and reconciliation initiatives. 

During the expansion of the Galmudug administration between 2014 and 2020, he participated in efforts aimed at strengthening political structures through collaboration with the federal government and local communities.

JSP also credited Hassan with supporting reconciliation initiatives designed to resolve local disputes and foster dialogue among communities, describing his involvement as part of broader efforts to promote lasting peace and social cohesion.

In the security sector, the party said Hassan was associated with initiatives supporting operations that led to the recovery of several districts from militant control, including Wisil, Bacaadweyn, Camaara, Xarardheere, Ceeldheer and Masagawaay. According to JSP, he later visited the liberated areas to assess humanitarian and security needs.

Beyond security, Hassan has participated in humanitarian programmes, including drought relief initiatives that delivered food and water assistance to vulnerable communities during periods of severe water shortages, including the holy month of Ramadan.

At the national level, Hassan served as Deputy Chairperson of Somalia’s Federal Electoral Commission during the country’s 2022 elections, where he was involved in overseeing an electoral process conducted amid political and security challenges. 

He has also been linked to efforts supporting the development of Hobyo Port.

His nomination comes as Somalia continues discussions on expanding direct elections across the country following recent one-person, one-vote polls in South West State and Banadir Region. 

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending direct elections nationwide, with more regions expected to adopt the system in the coming years.

JSP said Hassan’s candidacy reflects its commitment to advancing governance reforms and is expected to add momentum to the contest for the Galmudug presidency as political debate over security, governance and electoral reforms intensifies.