Former Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon “Saacid” arrived on Thursday morning in Caabudwaaq town, Galgaduud region, marking a significant step in his bid for the presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Mr Shirdoon, who served as Somalia’s Prime Minister after the end of the transitional period, has formally begun nationwide political outreach following his declaration last year that he would run for president.
According to his team, the visit to Caabudwaaq is aimed at engaging local communities on peacebuilding efforts and the ongoing drought, which has severely affected the area. For years, Caabudwaaq has experienced intermittent clan-related tensions, often rooted more in political rivalry than economic competition. Local leaders have frequently been criticised for failing to take a leading role in stabilising the area.
Speaking at a public reception held in his honour, Mr Shirdoon said his visit was intended to support grassroots reconciliation efforts and stand in solidarity with communities facing humanitarian challenges.
He was received by ministers, MPs and officials from the Galmudug administration, and local elders. Residents of Caabudwaaq also turned out in large numbers to welcome the former prime minister.
The delegation accompanying Mr Shirdoon drew particular attention, featuring prominent political and security figures from northern Galmudug, including former Defence Minister and ex-Somali National Army Commander General Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali Diini, former Deputy Chief of Defense Forces General Abdullahi Ali Caanood, MP Abdullahi Adan Kulane, former presidential adviser on elections Abdi Ali Rage, Senior Writer Abdulkadir Shire, and traditional elder Nabaddoon Abdi Yusuf Cowl.
Mr Shirdoon has significantly intensified his campaign in recent months and is widely seen as having assembled one of the strongest opposition coalitions ahead of the next presidential contest.
The Haybad Qaran Alliance, which was announced recently, is increasingly viewed as one of the most influential political groupings in Somalia, both in terms of its membership and organisational structure. Many political observers see it as a serious challenger to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Preparations for the alliance’s formal launch and general congress are under way inside Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu, where founding members and additional political figures are expected to convene on early January.
Mr Shirdoon’s visit to Caabudwaaq also forms part of broader efforts to officially unveil Haybad Qaran, according to sources close to his campaign. Following the trip, he is expected to travel to Dhuusamareeb, the capital of Galmudug, where he will hold further consultations with local leaders and community representatives.
Several senior Haybad Qaran figures are already in Dhuusamareeb, including MP Mohamed Abukar Islow, presidential hopefuls Dr Guled Salah Barre and Abdirisaq Khalif Ahmed from north-eastern regions and Puntland, as well as former minister Duale Aden Garane.
While some members of the alliance are attending the annual Heritage Institute forum, the group is also expected to hold internal political meetings in Dhuusamareeb as part of its organisational build-up.
Since declaring his candidacy, Mr Shirdoon has embarked on a series of political tours across the country, including recent participation in opposition meetings in Kismayo organised under the Future of Somalia Council.
As Somalia’s political transition continues to take shape, analysts say Mr Shirdoon appears to be positioning himself early, building alliances and engaging directly with communities across the country as he prepares for the next phase of the national political contest.