Somalia’s Political Map Shifts as Top Leaders Unite Behind Former PM for 2026 Race.
A group of prominent Somali political figures announced on Monday the formation of a new political alliance, declaring they will field former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon “Saacid” as their presidential candidate in Somalia’s 2026 elections.
The coalition, known as the National Sovereignty Alliance, brings together nine senior politicians from across political organizations, parties and regional constituencies.
Several members have previously held national cabinet posts or leadership roles and have now resigned from their respective parties to join the new bloc.
In a joint statement, the alliance’s leaders said their decision followed a series of meetings assessing what they described as Somalia’s deteriorating political, security and economic conditions.
Their statement cited concerns over “the erosion of national unity, the collapse of the economy, the neglect of social services and the loss of public confidence in the Somali state.”
The alliance named the following figures as founding members:
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Abdikarim Hussein Guuleed
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Fahad Yasin Haaji Daahir
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Mohamed Abuukar Islow Duale
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Thabit Abdi Mohamed
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Guuleed Salah Bare
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Abdi Adan Hoosow
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Abdirizak Khilaaf Ahmed
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Faarax Ali Shire
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Duale Adan Mohamed
The new political front is entering a landscape marked by shifting alliances and intensifying maneuvering ahead of the 2026 presidential race.
With Shirdoon positioned as its candidate, the National Sovereignty Alliance framed its formation as a response to a country in need of renewed direction and stronger governance.
