By Zakariye Hassan - Reporter
GAALKAYO, 28 September 2026 — Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) candidate in Galmudug Liban Ahmed Hassan on Sunday pledged to make security and reconciliation a priority if his party wins the upcoming election.
Speaking at a public gathering in Gaalkayo on September 27, Liban said his administration would seek to transform the city into a peaceful environment where residents from both sides can live and move freely without fear.
“We will pursue peaceful reconciliation in Galmudug. The first place where peace will be established will be Gaalkayo,” Liban said.
The candidate said he would also work to reconcile communities that have previously been affected by conflict, stressing the need for lasting peace and greater freedom of movement across the city.
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Liban said his vision was for a peaceful and open Gaalkayo, with the two administrations governing the city working together on security and issues affecting local residents.
He further pledged that individuals accused of killing others would not be allowed to remain in Galmudug without facing the consequences of their actions, describing accountability as part of the measures needed to establish lasting security.
Gaalkayo is one of central Somalia’s major cities and is located in the Mudug region. Administratively, the city is divided between Galmudug and Puntland, making security, reconciliation and cooperation between the two sides longstanding issues in the city.
Although the security situation in Gaalkayo has improved in recent years compared with previous periods, security incidents and community tensions have continued to occasionally affect residents and businesses.