By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia,16 December 2025 — A series of recent political moves by former Banadir Regional Governor Yusuf Hussein Jim’ale ‘Madaale’ have reignited questions about his political future and whether he is positioning himself for a return to the post of Mogadishu Mayor—this time outside the party through which he originally rose to prominence—at a moment when the capital’s political landscape is particularly sensitive.
Last month, Madaale publicly opposed the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP)’s decision to nominate Hassan Mohamed Hussein ‘Muungaab’ as its candidate for the Banadir region. He described the move as lacking legitimacy and contrary to the party’s internal rules, signaling a widening rift between him and the party leadership, despite his current role as JSP’s Secretary for Development.
Known for avoiding inflammatory rhetoric, Madaale said: “It is unfortunate that the deputy secretary-general announced a candidate at a campaign venue without consensus. That matter was not concluded properly.”
After failing to secure redress for his objections, Madaale began appearing in political forums outside his party’s framework less than a month later. On December 4, 2025, he attended a meeting with former Banadir Governor Mohamed Ahmed Amir and former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed—figures associated with the opposition.
A brief statement issued after that meeting said discussions focused on the country’s overall situation, particularly Mogadishu, and the need for an agreed-upon electoral process—an implicit critique of the current government’s political direction and the ruling party’s election plans.
Ten days later, Madaale visited former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire at his residence, where they discussed issues related to national stability and political cooperation. These successive meetings—uncharacteristic for the former mayor—have reinforced perceptions that Madaale is aligning himself with opposition circles.
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Madaale was removed from the post of Banadir Regional Governor on December 10, 2024. While he has not formally resigned from JSP, the ongoing disputes and his recent political activities suggest a deepening political estrangement.
It is noteworthy that Madaale was long regarded as one of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s closest political allies, particularly during Hassan Sheikh’s first term (2012–2017) and again following his re-election in 2022. Madaale’s recent moves have fueled the sense that President Hassan Sheikh may be losing one of his long-standing political partners.
Although Madaale has not formally declared a bid for office or announced his departure from JSP, his engagements with opposition leaders, internal party disputes, and growing distance from Villa Somalia paint the picture of a disaffected politician seeking an alternative path—one that could yet place him back at the center of Mogadishu’s political future.
