In August 2015, as the then-Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, presented his credentials to Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta, his presence was a powerful statement. Dressed in proud Somali traditional clothes, his sheer confidence, charisma, and pride in his nation stood tall among a crowd of peers from Ukraine, Israel, and Tanzania who had embraced a more conventional, modern Western dress code. At a time when being Somali was often linked to negative narratives, the Ambassador was a beacon of dignified resilience.
Exactly a decade later, few could have predicted that this seasoned diplomat, now serving as the Director of the IGAD Center of Excellence for Climate Adaptation and Environmental Protection, would be a leading contender for the presidency of Somalia’s newly formed North Eastern State. His name now features prominently in political discourse as the region prepares to elect its inaugural leader for the next five years.
For Gamal, born in Dhahar in the Sanaag region in 1978, this decision is more than a political ambition; it is a calling. He has swapped the professional comfort of his former life for a new journey, dedicated to rebuilding the place where his umbilical cord was buried. Unlike many Somalis who fled during the civil war, Gamal returned to Somalia during its rebuilding phase, bringing with him a portfolio of global expertise and connections from his years in international development.
This trust and vision saw him navigate the corridors of foreign policy and government, serving as Somalia’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, as well as the country’s ambassador to Kenya. He is a former member of the Federal Parliament, and a senior Somali politician and diplomat with years of experience at the United Nations, the European Union, and the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. An academic with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University in Canada, a Master’s in Global Energy and Climate Policy from SOAS, London, and another Master’s in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy from Moi University in Kenya. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies, specializing in Environmental Economics and Management, at the University of York, UK.
A high-stakes race is underway in this emerging state, and Ambassador Gamal Mohamed Hassan has emerged as a serious contender.
The Case for His Candidacy: A Unifying Vision
National and International Experience
Gamal brings a depth of experience unmatched by many of his competitors. He is a former diplomat, federal minister and MP, with a career that spans Somalia’s public sector and international institutions. Having served as the Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development for nearly six years, one of the longest tenures during that term, his resume positions him as the most globally connected candidate in the race. His current role as Director at IGAD further solidifies this standing.
Hometown Advantage
As the sole contender hailing from the Sanaag region, Gamal enjoys strong grassroots support. Many from Sanaag see him as the most accomplished politician the region has produced since the collapse of the central state, and his support is especially strong among the younger generation. His distance from the administrations of Puntland and Somaliland—a fresh start untainted by previous affiliations—resonates deeply with locals.
Political Credibility and Clean Reputation
In a race where rivals carry political baggage or controversial histories, Gamal stands out with a largely unblemished record. He is not associated with any major political scandal or clan controversy, earning him credibility as a unifying figure among opposition candidates. There is growing speculation that opposition leaders from Sool and Cayn may coalesce behind him as a strategic counterweight to rivals.
The Hurdles Ahead: A Political Tightrope
Like any politician with serious ambitions, Gamal also faces significant hurdles.
Past Political Stances
In previous years, Gamal openly argued that the people of the North Eastern regions should not be governed by Puntland or Somaliland. While this stance now serves him as a badge of independence, it has also generated suspicion.
The former administration of Somaliland accused him of undermining a federal-Somaliland special arrangement agreement by facilitating a DP World deal, a legacy that could still create friction. Furthermore, his tough stance as Minister of Planning in 2018, when he mandated that all international NGOs relocate their offices to Mogadishu, and subsequently barred those still operating from Nairobi in 2020, demonstrated a bold and assertive approach to governance that some may view as a point of contention with international partners.
Timing and Regional Dynamics
While the regional constitution provides equal footing for all candidates vying for leadership across Sanaag, Sool, and Cayn, some argue that Gamal’s candidacy comes at an inopportune time. With most of the state’s institutions currently concentrated in Sool, some suggest that Sanaag’s turn to lead may come later—an argument that, while not insurmountable, complicates his path.
Lack of Strong Federal Backing
Gamal has consciously positioned himself as politically neutral in federal dynamics. While this earns him credibility as an independent actor, it may prove a disadvantage in a regional race where federal influence, funding, and networks often play a decisive role.
Conclusion: A Critical Test for Somalia’s Newest State
Gamal’s combination of organic grassroots support in Sanaag, a strong academic and diplomatic background, and a clear, inclusive development agenda make him one of the most viable candidates for leadership. Supporters point to his achievements as Minister of Planning and his distance from any corrupt dealings as key indicators of the kind of transparent, forward-looking governance he could bring. While critics question the speed of his entry into the regional political arena, his backers argue that his leadership has already scored an early win by normalizing Sanaag’s inclusion in the political process—effectively removing the region from the longstanding territorial dispute that plagues it.
Ultimately, Ambassador Gamal Mohamed Hassan faces a critical test: not just to win an election, but to prove that a blend of international expertise, local legitimacy, and political restraint can deliver real governance for Somalia’s newest federal state.