By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 23 April 2026 – Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Hirshabelle’s Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe agreed on an election pact that could keep Guudlaawe in power.
The deal followed a meeting in Mogadishu, focused on political stabilization and administrative reforms in Hirshabelle.
Hirshabelle's Presidential Communications Director, Mohamed Shuuriye Noor, said in a statement the two leaders agreed that Guudlaawe vie on the ruling party (JSP) ticket in the upcoming state polls to boost his re-election chances.
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Noor said the talks are part of efforts to strengthen state-building and cooperation between the federal government and member states.
Sources in government also said the deal aims to ensure political stability in Hirshabelle, amid ongoing security and administrative challenges in parts of the state.
The meeting comes at a time when political activity is intensifying ahead of state elections.