MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has delivered two aircraft carrying weapons to the central city of Dhusamareb, in a move aimed at strengthening newly trained security forces amid ongoing military and political developments in the Galmudug region.
Officials say the weapons will be used to equip around 1,000 soldiers who recently completed training on the outskirts of the city. The deployment forms part of wider efforts to reinforce security operations in central Somalia, where government forces continue to conduct operations against armed groups.
The newly trained troops are expected to support efforts to stabilise areas under Galmudug’s administration, as authorities in Mogadishu push ahead with parallel security and political plans.
Dhusamareb airport, a key hub in the region, is currently secured by troops from the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), including forces from Djibouti. They are supported by elite Somali units, including the US-trained Danab commandos and the Turkish-trained Gorgor forces.
The headquarters of the Somali National Army’s 21st Division is also based in the city, highlighting Dhusamareb’s growing strategic importance.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s electoral commission is expected to announce a timetable for proposed “one person, one vote” elections — a significant shift from the country’s long-standing indirect electoral system.
The plans are said to be strongly backed by the federal leadership at Villa Somalia.
The developments come as Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie, who has previously expressed concerns about the proposed electoral model, is expected in Mogadishu. His current position on the process remains unclear.
Local sources suggest his ability to oppose the federal government’s plans in Galmudug may be limited, pointing to a rapidly evolving political situation.
Analysts say the combination of increased military deployments and electoral preparations could mark a significant phase in Somalia’s state-building efforts, though questions remain over political consensus and long-term stability.
