The race for the presidency of the newly formed North East State of Somalia is approaching its climax, with several candidates vying for the region’s highest office. Among them is Abdirisak Khalif Ahmed, one of the most determined contenders for the position. Alongside Abdiqadir Firdhiye and Gamal M Hassan, this report examines the opportunities and challenges facing presidential hopeful Abdirisak Khalif Ahmed.
Who Is Abdirisak Khalif?
Abdirisak Khalif is a prominent political figure in the region — a businessman and renowned figure within his generation. According to his personal records, he was born in Las Anod in 1962.
Much of his political career unfolded under the Somaliland administration, which governed the Sool region — part of the newly formed Northeastern State. Before entering politics, Abdirisak was a well-known businessman in Sool. His commercial ventures took him to Hargeisa, where he was eventually drawn into politics, rising to its senior ranks.
Abdirisak served as Speaker of Parliament, minister, and member of parliament in Somaliland before the outbreak of the Las Anod uprising and subsequent revolution that gave birth to the Northeastern State. When the eight-month conflict erupted in Las Anod in early 2023, Abdirisak was the most senior Somaliland official from the SSC region.
Although he was initially a staunch defender of Somaliland’s policies, once the war began, he became one of the few high-profile voices strongly opposing the administration’s military campaign against the local population.
A Man of Two Eras
Assessing a figure like Abdirisak is difficult without a comparison across time. Many in his home region regard him as one of its most capable statesmen. Yet, alongside that admiration lie criticisms rooted in his association with the initial belonging to the former political order.
His role in the Somaliland system — which waged fierce battles against local communities, notably in Kalshaale and Buuhoodle — remains a major stain in the eyes of his many detractors. Still, his critics cannot dismiss the fact that, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, he broke ranks with Somaliland for the sake of his community, resigning his position and becoming one of the most influential local figures supporting the people during Las Anod’s unprecedented eight-month under bombardment.
Despite such conflicting perceptions, residents from various backgrounds describe him as a politician whose influence on the region is undeniable — a top leader with a wide base.
The Opportunities Before Him
1. Political Experience
In regional politics, Abdirisak is the most experienced candidate. His personal network includes traditional leaders, youth, religious scholars, and influential businesspeople — all critical players in politics and elections. Many believe his political record positions him well to lead a new administration that must turn daunting challenges into opportunities.
2. Political Connections
During the Las Anod conflict, Abdirisak built political relationships beyond the SSC-Khatumo area, forging close ties with Puntland’s leadership. Today, Puntland’s administration is seen as the strongest external backer for leadership in Northeastern Somalia, and many believe Abdirisak is the candidate best positioned to solidify that alliance.
3. Opposition to Firdhiye
The current leader of SSC-Khatumo, Abdiqadir Firdhiye — himself also a presidential candidate — is viewed by some as a political opening for Abdirisak. Those dissatisfied with Firdhiye’s leadership may rally behind Khalif as the other alternative. Clan voting dynamics also work in his favor, particularly in Buuhoodle, where some traditional leaders strongly oppose Firdhiye’s approach.
The Challenges Ahead
Compared to his main rivals, Gamal Mohamed Hassan and Abdiqadir Firdhiye, Abdirisak faces notable obstacles.
1. Political Baggage
During Somaliland’s rule over the region, Abdirisak was deeply involved in governance decisions. Many residents who suffered politically from policies he supported now stand in opposition to his leadership ambitions.
2. Lack of Support from His Own Elders
At present, some of the top traditional leaders from his own sub-clan — notably Garaad Jama Garaad Ismail — oppose his candidacy, instead backing Firdhiye. In a region where clan dynamics propped by elders who wield enormous influence, losing the support of one’s own is a serious handicap.
3. Federal Government Resistance
The Federal Government, which oversees the state formation process, is reportedly opposed to his bid. According to his campaign team, the selection of parliamentary delegates is being shaped to sideline those aligned with Abdirisak.
A Kingmaker’s Hand
Despite these hurdles, Abdirisak remains a seasoned political veteran with deep roots in Northeastern Somalia’s society. Analysts believe he holds a rare asset — the ability to decide the race if he does not win himself im the outright. Local observers add that he has “many cards in his hand,” and if he fails to secure the presidency, he could play a decisive role in delivering victory to whichever of the other two main rivals he chooses to back.