With the 2026 presidential election looming, a new political powerhouse has emerged from Somalia’s fragmented opposition: the Haybad Qaran (National Dignity) Alliance. This coalition, uniting ten of the country’s most experienced and strategically positioned leaders, is rapidly reshaping the political arena, presenting what analysts describe as the most formidable and coherent challenge yet to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Unlike typical opposition groupings, Haybad Qaran is a meticulously crafted union designed to represent Somalia in its full complexity—geographically, institutionally, and across clan dynamics. Their declared mission is clear: to leverage collective experience, financial resources, and security influence to secure victory in May 2026 and implement a new stability-driven national agenda.
At the helm is Abdi Farah Shirdon, former Prime Minister and Chairman of the newly formed Nagaad Party. Shirdon is widely recognized as one of Somalia’s most stable and responsible leaders, and his partners have chosen him as the alliance’s consensus presidential candidate. His experience navigating federal politics, combined with his calm and strategic approach, positions him as the natural figurehead of this formidable coalition.
Supporting Shirdon are nine other influential leaders who bring unparalleled experience across federal states, parliament, security institutions, and the international stage.
Abdikarim Hussein Guled, former Minister of Interior and Security and former President of Galmudug, adds decades of experience in governance, education, and humanitarian affairs. His deep respect across Somali political and administrative structures strengthens the coalition’s national credibility. He currently leads the Sahan Party, which is part of the grand coalition.
From the northeastern region, Abdirisak Khalif Ahmed, former Speaker of the Somaliland House of Representatives and chairman of the Unity Council Alliance, brings both regional clout and a track record of public service. He has recently campaigned for the presidency of the Northeast, solidifying his influence and local support.
The coalition also includes Dr. Mohamed Abukar Ducale Islow, chairman of the Heybad Qaran Party and a three-term Member of Parliament. His previous tenure as Minister of Internal Security under President Farmaajo and Prime Minister Hassan Khaire, along with his calm, locally rooted leadership, strengthens the coalition’s parliamentary and community connections.
Financial and administrative expertise is represented by Farah Ali Shire, former presidential candidate and Minister of Finance in Puntland. Respected at both regional and federal levels, Shire’s leadership in budgeting, tax harmonization, and revenue management makes him a key strategist for the coalition’s governance and resource mobilization plans.
Dr. Guled Salah Barre, chairman of the Justice Council and a prominent opposition figure in Puntland, brings both political vision and social influence, especially among Puntland’s opposition base. His experience as Minister of Environment and Climate Change further underscores the coalition’s breadth of expertise.
Dr. Abdi Adam Hoosow, former Minister of Public Works and Governor of Bay region, is a principled politician known for advocating equality and leading public debates on Somali social and political reforms. His voice strengthens the coalition’s connection to Somalia’s broader social movements.
Duale Aden Mohamed, former Minister of Higher Education and a long-serving Director General in the Presidency and Ministry of Internal Affairs, provides technical expertise and institutional knowledge, having spent years navigating the complexities of Somali civil service and governance.
Thabit Abdi Mohamed, former Governor of Banadir and Mayor of Mogadishu, leads the People’s Power Party. Thabit’s time managing Somalia’s Capital and his initiatives in Mogadishu and Banadir have earned him strong local support, particularly among the youth, who view him as a practical and results-driven leader.
Finally, Fahad Yasin, former National Security Advisor and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, leads the Aayatiin Alliance within the coalition. His career in intelligence and national security provides Heybad Qaran with significant influence over Somalia’s security apparatus, a critical advantage in a nation where stability is paramount.
The Threat Calculus: Power, Money, and Influence
Heybad Qaran stands apart not simply as an electoral coalition, but as a convergence of Somalia’s most critical levers of power. Collectively, the leaders command hundreds of MPs, giving them substantial influence in the Federal Parliament, which elects the President. Combined with their financial resources, this parliamentary clout makes them one of the most formidable electoral forces in Somali history.
Security and intelligence expertise further sets Haybad Qaran apart. With Fahad Yasin and Abdikarim Hussein Guled among its ranks, the coalition has deep connections to Somalia’s national security and intelligence institutions, providing strategic leverage in maintaining stability and overseeing electoral integrity.
On the international stage, the alliance is equally formidable. Its leaders maintain strong relationships with development partners, global powers as well as key African and Muslim countries. These diplomatic ties ensure that Haybad Qaran’s narrative and vision are heard in global capitals that influence Somalia’s political future.
Finally, the coalition leverages Somalia’s demographic realities. With an average youthful age and a strong appeal to the country’s largest voting bloc—the youth—the alliance positions itself as a vehicle for generational change, connecting modern leadership with Somalia’s future.
The formation of Haybad Qaran has immediately polarized Somalia’s political landscape. No longer is the 2026 election merely a contest among individuals; it is shaping up to be a high-stakes confrontation between a united, experienced opposition and the incumbent administration. With seasoned leaders, extensive regional representation, parliamentary clout, and influence over security and youth, Haybad Qaran is not merely contesting an election—they are poised to redefine Somali politics. As the nation approaches May 2026, all eyes will be on this coalition that could reshape Somalia’s political destiny.