ISTANBUL, (HAN) – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo met with a group of 30 members of the Somali diaspora in Istanbul, Turkey, earlier this week. During the gathering, Farmaajo urged the diaspora community to uphold patriotism and maintain a deep love for their homeland.
Farmaajo, first elected on February 8, 2017, served as president for five years before handing over power in 2022. His rise to leadership was initially marked by strong appeals to nationalism and widespread public support, though critics argue his later years in office were overshadowed by political confrontations and deepening divisions.
Political observers suggest Farmaajo’s recent international engagements may signal an attempt to test the waters for a potential political comeback.
His tenure remains controversial: while his 2017 victory was celebrated as part of a peaceful transfer of power, his final years were marred by tense standoffs with political rivals, media battles, and disputes over the electoral process.
Analysts note that Farmaajo reshaped Somalia’s political landscape by making access to the presidency more competitive, breaking from earlier patterns of smoother transitions seen in 2012 and 2017. If he intends to return to frontline politics, experts say he will need to reconcile with former rivals, adapt to Somalia’s evolving political realities, and rebuild grassroots support inside the country.
Although Farmaajo retains visible backing among sections of the diaspora, commentators caution that social media campaigns, private meetings abroad, and nationalist rhetoric alone may not be enough to secure another term.
“Any return to Villa Somalia would require deeper engagement with the country’s current political dynamics and alliances,” one analyst told Horn Africa News.
As Somalia looks ahead to future political contests, the question remains whether Farmaajo can reclaim influence—or if a new contender will emerge with both the strategy and strength to outmaneuver incumbents.
This report was originally shared on the Facebook page of Hussein Sabrie: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16yK5DJRzr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
