Dhusamareeb (WDN) – Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoorqoor) has officially announced his withdrawal from the upcoming presidential election, ending weeks of speculation over whether he would seek another term.

Sources in Dhuusamareeb said Qoorqoor made the announcement late Friday, confirming that he would not contest the election to choose Galmudug’s next president.

According to political insiders, the decision followed several days of high-level consultations with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Mahad Salad. The discussions reportedly focused on the political future of Galmudug and concluded with Qoorqoor agreeing to step aside, with golden handshake, in favor of a consensus-driven transition.

Reports reaching WardheerNews indicate that Qoorqoor’s alleged “golden handshake” agreement is a sweeping political reward package, reportedly comprising an ambassadorial appointment, significant financial compensation, allocations of government land, and assurances that his political allies and loyalists will be appointed to strategic positions across the federal government.

Sources familiar with the discussions also indicate that President Hassan Sheikh supports the nominal candidacy of businessman Libaan Ahmed Hassan (Libaan Shuluq), a prominant Qaad (Khat) trader who hails from southern Galkayo, to become Galmudug’s next president without fair election just as he did in Baidabo.

Sources further said that Qoorqoor affirmed he would remain at the Galmudug Presidential Palace in a caretaker capacity until a new president is elected and formally assumes office, ensuring an orderly and constitutional transfer of power.

Ahmed Abdi Kariye was elected President of Galmudug on February 2, 2020, and has led the federal member state for more than six years, making him the longest-serving president in Galmudug’s history since its establishment.

His decision to withdraw from the race marks a significant turning point in Galmudug’s political landscape, clearing the way for a new leadership contest and setting the stage for what many hope will be a peaceful and orderly democratic transition.

WardheeerNews