Gudlawe turns down Farmajo’s call to exclude his critic from Senate race

After his tenure expired in early 2021, Farmajo is facing uncertainty surrounding his re-election bid as close allies are currently turning into foes. 

News Keydmedia Online
26 August 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Farmajo's re-election bid is in trouble and losing hope after his allies began to shift their loyalty as the country begins the much-awaited elections.

Sources close HirShabelle presidency confirmed to KON that the state leader Ali Gudlawe has turned down a request from Farmajo and NISA boss Fahad Yasin to bar Muse Sudi Yalahow from retaining his Senate in the upcoming election in Jowhar.

Yalahow is a powerful former Somali warlord who served four years as a Senator in Somalia's 10th parliament. He is credited for having a forefront role in the revolt against Farmajo's coup attempt in April 2021.

Gudlawe's rejection has dealt a big blow to Farmajo who has long been relying on the leaders of HirShabelle, Galmudug, and Southwest, whom he helped to win the regional elections.

The sources added that Farmajo and Fahad Yasin sent an open letter carrying a list of loyalists, including Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan and Muheydin Hassan Afrah who are eying Senate seats with the support of Villa Somalia.

Hassan and Afrah were the strongest voices supported the foiled coup by Farmajo, who tried to extend his mandate by two more years illegally. Thanks to the National Salvation forces who averted the country from falling into a dictatorship again after 30 years.

HirShabelle state is heading to the polling stations in the coming weeks, becoming the last state to hold the Upper House election to pick its Senators with reports that Muse Sudi will win re-election.

A dispute among the clans in HirShabelle who share the power has led to the delay in the election deadline. Farmajo is being accused of supporting mutinous forces who this week captured Beledweyne, one of the two electoral districts of the regional administration. 

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