Mogadishu (WDN) – Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Saadaad Mohamed Nur Aliyow, has formally resigned from his position, a move that comes amid intensifying political maneuvering ahead of the election for Speaker of the House of the People.

According to informed sources, Saadaad has entered the race for the influential parliamentary post and resigned from the government to focus on his campaign as political lobbying gathers pace in Mogadishu.

Sources familiar with the developments say Villa Somalia attempted to persuade Saadaad to abandon his bid by offering him a full Cabinet ministerial position. The sources further claim that he was urged to withdraw from the Speaker’s contest in exchange for the promotion.

However, those close to the matter say Saadaad rejected the proposal, opting instead to continue his campaign for the Speakership, a position widely regarded as one of the most powerful offices in Somalia’s political system.

His resignation comes as competition for the parliamentary leadership intensifies, with several prominent political figures reportedly positioning themselves ahead of a vote expected to take place in the coming days.

The election for Speaker is being closely watched, as the office plays a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda, overseeing parliamentary proceedings, and influencing the country’s broader political direction at a time of heightened tensions over governance and constitutional issues.

Neither the Federal Government nor Villa Somalia has officially commented on reports of the alleged negotiations with Saadaad or the circumstances surrounding his resignation.

Reports indicate that Villa Somalia is actively backing Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, for the position of Speaker of the House. Widely regarded as one of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s closest political allies, his candidacy is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to consolidate its influence over key state institutions.

As campaigning accelerates, Saadaad’s departure from the executive branch signals the opening of what is expected to be a fiercely contested race for one of Somalia’s most influential political positions.

WardheerNews