In Lasanod, the capital of the nascent North East State, a historic campaign is underway as the region prepares to elect the first president of its new federal state government. For the people of this region—long subjected to external administrations that offered little sense of ownership or equitable rights—this marks a pivotal moment: for the first time, they are set to choose their own leadership.
More than ten candidates are vying for the presidency, each determined to realize his vision for the state’s future. Yet, three names dominate every political conversation: Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye, Abdirisak Khalif Ahmed, and Gamal Mohamed Hassan. Political analysts, public forums, and alternative media outlets widely agree on a single point: one of these three men is likely to emerge victorious in what is shaping up to be a three-way race.
In this series of profiles, we will explore the backgrounds, challenges, and potential each of these candidates brings to the race—elements the region’s voting legislators will weigh as they head to the state election.
Today’s Profile: Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye
Firdhiye rose to national prominence as the interim leader of the SSC-Khatumo administration, elected on August 5, 2023, in Lasanod by 30 out of 45 delegates selected by local communities.
Prior to that vote, he was relatively unknown in local and national political circles. However, the grassroots struggle that saw residents oust Somaliland forces from their territory catapulted him into high leadership.
Who Is Firdhiye?
According to public records, Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali was born in 1972 in the historic town of Taleh. He holds two university degrees—one in Islamic Studies and the other in Business Management.
Politically, Firdhiye has aligned himself with successive SSC movements and has long advocated for local self-governance. Unlike some of his fellow contenders, he is said not to have served in either the Puntland or Somaliland governments—a point that may bolster his image as a symbol of the new state’s political independence.
Opportunities in His Favor
During his tenure as interim leader of SSC-Khatumo, Firdhiye encountered a range of opportunities. Some he created, others arose naturally from circumstance, and some were inadvertently handed to him by political rivals. Regardless of their source, he skillfully consolidated these advantages into meaningful authority.
Any analysis of his prospects must begin with the performance of his interim administration, as he lacks a long political résumé to either scrutinize or rely upon.
1. A Fortuitous Turn of Events
Firdhiye’s rise was well-timed. Mere days after his interim election, local forces successfully expelled Somaliland from the region. While this achievement was not solely his, he benefited greatly from its symbolic power, which helped consolidate the state’s emergence as a distinct polity.
2. Unblemished Record, but Politically Inexperienced
In terms of political baggage, Firdhiye appears untainted. His record shows no allegations of mismanagement or betrayal of the cause. This provides him with a unique advantage—he is the only top-tier candidate with such a clean slate. However, this same characteristic can be turned against him, as critics question his lack of broader political experience.
3. Federalist Strategy and Popular Trust
Firdhiye has built his political capital by aligning the region’s aspirations with Somalia’s federal system. This stance has earned him deep trust among the young Neo-Darawiish Generation, who served as the vanguard of the successful anti-Somaliland uprising. Supporters see him as a man of integrity—one who stood by his promises, refused to compromise on key principles, and maintained a healthy distance from neighboring political intrigues.
4. Architect of Governance
Although governance is always a collective effort, Firdhiye’s name is closely associated with the formal founding of the North East State, transitioning it from SSC-Khatumo.
Subsequently, he oversaw the region’s transition out of interim status, signed its constitution into law, helped pass foundational legal frameworks, and established functioning institutions. The fact that he is now contesting a successor’s race reflects the successful conclusion of his term.
5. Local Support, Federal Backing
In Somalia, strong grassroots support is essential. Firdhiye has secured this base. Moreover, he reportedly enjoys the backing of the Federal Government, which has invested significant time and resources in his political ascent—support that his opponents may find difficult to match or overcome.
6. Mastery of Process
Firdhiye’s administration has played a major role in designing the electoral framework, selecting election committees, and organizing the voter base. This gives him a technical edge over his rivals, as evidenced by growing concerns among other candidates about the neutrality of the election bodies. Just last night, Ambassador Gamal Mohamed Hassan—one of Firdhiye’s chief opponents—issued a formal complaint regarding perceived bias in the selection process.
Challenges That Threaten His Bid
Despite these advantages, Firdhiye faces several formidable obstacles that could derail his campaign:
1. Consolidation of Power and Exclusion of Allies
The North East State is still in its formative phase. Power-sharing and inclusive leadership are essential. Yet, since assuming interim leadership, Firdhiye has distanced himself from key political allies, including some who originally ardently supported his candidacy. The traditional leadership that once stood united behind him now appears fractured and dissipated.
2. Opposition from Puntland and Somaliland
Both Somaliland and Puntland oppose Firdhiye’s ascension. Whether their objections are rooted in principle or power politics is debatable, but their mutual resistance is a reality felt daily. How Firdhiye navigates this external pressure will be critical.
3. A United Opposition
Somali political culture often follows the concept of ‘washamsi’—loosely translated as ‘a consensus to remove’—where rival factions unite against the incumbent. Firdhiye currently faces this situation without any clear political coalition behind him, raising questions about his ability to withstand concerted opposition.
As Abdiqadir Firdhiye once again throws his hat into the ring, he faces his greatest test yet—one more complex than either the battlefield or institution-building. This time, he must deliver on the promise of governance. The people of the North East State, now stakeholders in a new polity, will watch closely to see how he balances the aspirations of his community, his personal vision, and the unpredictable pressures of the moment.