Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said he has not yet decided whether he will seek re-election in 2026, stressing that his immediate priorities are national security, economic growth, and delivering Somalia’s first direct elections in over half a century. In an interview with Kenya’s Nation Media Group, Mohamud emphasized that restoring stability and institutional reforms take precedence over political ambitions. Since his return to power in May 2022, he claims Somalia has made significant progress, citing improvements in Mogadishu’s security and early signs of economic recovery, including increased domestic revenue and international financial backing.
The government has outlined a roadmap for local elections in June 2025 and national elections by September 2025, marking a major shift from Somalia’s longstanding clan-based electoral system toward one-person, one-vote democracy. If successful, it would be Somalia’s first fully direct national election since 1969.
However, political tensions are simmering. Opposition leaders, particularly from the semi-autonomous states of Puntland and Jubbaland, have raised concerns about the election timeline, accusing Mohamud’s administration of pushing constitutional changes without sufficient consensus and warning of potential breaches of federal arrangements.
Despite these challenges, Mohamud insists the reform agenda remains on course, promising inclusive dialogue with regional leaders. He added that he would announce his decision on a potential third-term candidacy only after key reforms are solidly underway. Somalia continues to face threats from the al-Shabaab militant group and widespread humanitarian crises, but Mohamud maintains that strengthening national institutions and achieving political stability are essential steps for the country’s long-term recovery.
