By Abukar Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 13 November 2025 — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday, marking his first return to the capital since leaving office in 2022.
Farmaajo, who spent most of the past three years abroad aside from a brief visit to Garowe in early 2024, returned amid preparations by the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) for local council elections in Mogadishu scheduled for late November.
Somalia is also gearing up for national elections in 2026, including the presidential and parliamentary contests.
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During his time abroad, Farmaajo emerged as a prominent opposition figure, frequently criticizing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and the electoral process.
While Farmaajo has not publicly stated the purpose of his visit, political analysts suggest his return may signal intentions to re-engage in Somalia’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.
