MOGADISHU — Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie, popularly known as Qoorqoor, has announced that he will not seek re-election, ending weeks of political uncertainty ahead of the regional state’s upcoming presidential vote.
In a statement released on Thursday, Qoorqoor said his decision was motivated by the interests of Galmudug and the need to maintain political stability, pledging to support whoever wins the election.
“I will cooperate with and support the incoming leadership in order to continue the progress made in state-building and development,” he said.
His withdrawal comes as preparations intensify for a leadership transition in Galmudug, one of Somalia’s federal member states. Regional elections are expected to take place in the coming days, although electoral procedures have yet to be formally announced.
Political sources indicate that Somalia’s Federal Government is backing businessman Liban Ahmed, who is widely regarded as a leading contender for the presidency.
Qoorqoor’s decision is expected to ease tensions that had emerged between the Galmudug administration and the Federal Government over the management of the electoral process.
The vote will make Galmudug the second federal member state to undergo a leadership transition in recent months, following elections in South West State that resulted in the victory of a candidate supported by the federal authorities.
The outcome of the election is being closely watched as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its federal system, consolidate political institutions, and advance state-building initiatives across the country.
