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Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, widely known as Farmaajo, made a highly anticipated return to Mogadishu on Thursday, ending an absence of more than two years from the country’s political scene. His arrival at Aden Adde International Airport drew a significant crowd and marked a potentially pivotal moment in Somalia’s unfolding political landscape.
Farmaajo, who left the country after completing his presidential term, had been living abroad as debates surrounding governance, constitutional reforms, and national security continued to evolve in Somalia. His return, therefore, carries considerable political weight, especially as leaders and observers alike begin to look ahead to the 2026 presidential elections.
Upon landing in Mogadishu, the former president was greeted with an enthusiastic reception. Members of parliament, prominent political figures, and a wide array of supporters turned out to welcome him, reflecting the enduring influence he maintains across various sectors of Somali society. Many waved flags, chanted slogans, and expressed optimism about his reentry into the national arena, signaling that Farmaajo’s political base remains both active and mobilized.
Individuals close to Farmaajo’s inner circle have indicated that the former president intends to immerse himself quickly in the capital’s political activities. Over the coming days, he is expected to hold a series of meetings with political allies, influential clan elders, civil society representatives, and members of the business community. These discussions are anticipated to center on the country’s current political climate, the evolving multi-party landscape, and ongoing debates surrounding the future of Somalia’s constitutional framework.
Somalia is currently in a period of political transition, with reforms to its governance system—especially around the shift from an indirect to a direct electoral model—continuing to spark intense national dialogue. Farmaajo’s return at such a critical juncture is likely to shape these discussions, as his perspectives on federalism, national security, and the structure of government have historically played a significant role in national policy debates.
The capital, already a focal point for political maneuvering, is expected to become even more active in the coming months. With the 2026 presidential race slowly taking shape, new alliances are forming while old rivalries are reemerging. Political organizations, emerging youth groups, and influential regional actors are beginning to position themselves strategically, each aiming to influence the outcome of what many anticipate will be a highly competitive electoral cycle.
Farmaajo’s reappearance adds yet another significant dimension to this evolving picture. His supporters see his return as a chance to reassert a political vision they feel was interrupted, while his critics view it as a development that will intensify political contestation. In either case, his presence is certain to influence the tone, direction, and tempo of national politics over the months ahead.
As Somalia approaches this important phase, many observers believe that the coming period will be defined by negotiations, shifting coalitions, and renewed efforts to shape the country’s political trajectory. Farmaajo’s return, more than simply a personal comeback, symbolizes the beginning of what is expected to be a dynamic and decisive chapter in Somali politics. Whether he chooses to run for office again or instead act as a power broker behind the scenes, his reentry into the public arena is poised to have significant implications for the nation’s future.