MOGADISHU — Former Somali intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali “Sanbaloolshe” has questioned the viability of a planned electoral process championed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Hirshabelle State President Ali Gudlawe, saying it is unlikely to succeed in the Hiiraan region.
Speaking at a public gathering, Sanbaloolshe said local political divisions and unresolved disputes in Hiiraan would undermine efforts to implement the proposed electoral model.
“The election project being pursued by Hassan Sheikh and Ali Gudlawe is unlikely to be realized in Hiiraan,” he said.
His remarks add to growing political debate over Somalia’s electoral roadmap, which has faced repeated disagreements between federal authorities and regional leaders over implementation, legitimacy, and consultation processes.
Sanbaloolshe, a prominent political figure from Hiiraan and former head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), stressed that any credible electoral process must be based on broad consensus among local communities and political stakeholders.
The comments come as Somalia continues efforts to expand its electoral framework amid ongoing political tensions and institutional disagreements between federal and regional authorities.
Neither the federal government nor Hirshabelle authorities immediately commented on the remarks.
Hirshabelle State, created in 2016, has remained politically contested in parts of its territory, with recurring disputes over governance structures and representation.
