By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 23 November 2025 — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has called on current leaders to prioritise election preparations and the legal framework governing the vote, saying Somalia must focus on institutional readiness before entering full campaign mode.
“I am standing firm, and I stand for the belief that before elections and political campaigns proceed, current leaders must focus on two essential matters: the electoral framework and preparations,” Farmaajo said, noting that only six months remain until the scheduled election period.
He made the remarks while addressing a group of Members of Parliament on Saturday night, in what marked his first public political engagement since returning to the country on 13 November 2025.
Although Farmaajo did not declare himself a presidential candidate, he confirmed his personal re-entry into the political space, telling those present: “I have returned, and I am standing firm.”
His statement was interpreted as signalling political readiness and continued involvement in national affairs, while stopping short of an official announcement to contest the presidency.
More from Somalia
Farmaajo stressed that the immediate responsibility of current leadership should be ensuring that the electoral process is credible, organised, and conducted within the scheduled timeframe. He warned that early political manoeuvring should not come at the expense of technical and institutional preparedness.
He also acknowledged the uncertainty facing current lawmakers, saying that whether they return or not, their service should be recognised and respected.
Beyond the election process, Farmaajo highlighted several national challenges, including the rising cost of living, stagnant salaries, and worsening conditions for ordinary citizens. He renewed his call for salary increases for the Armed Forces and government employees, arguing that their current incomes no longer sustain a dignified life.
He also urged the reduction of taxes on essential food items to ease pressure on low-income households and criticised the government’s handling of internal displacement, describing the situation of displaced families as extremely dire.
Farmaajo further raised concerns over corruption, tribal politics, and the growing inflow of narcotics, warning that these issues are undermining national cohesion and posing a direct threat to Somalia’s youth.
