Qoorqoor made the announcement during Somalia’s Independence Day commemoration event on June 26, saying he had decided to withdraw from the current electoral process.

The president said he supports the right of Galmudug residents to peacefully elect the leadership they want and pledged to work with whoever wins the election.

He also said Galmudug would remain unified and stable and called on residents to work for unity and development.

The announcement comes amid political activity in Dhusamareb ahead of the expected Galmudug election.

Federal government officials, including National Intelligence and Security Agency Director Mahad Mohamed Salad and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, have recently been involved in efforts related to the Galmudug political process and the planned election.

The Justice and Solidarity Party JSP, recently named Libaan Ahmed Hassan as its candidate for the Galmudug presidency. Qoorqoor, who is also a member of the party, had reportedly opposed the move.

Qoorqoor has served as president of Galmudug for more than six years. He took office in February 2020.

His withdrawal is expected to reshape the race for Galmudug’s leadership as political negotiations continue in Dhusamareb.