Istanbul, Turkey (HornCurrent) –
A new Somali political alliance, Midowga Haybad Qaran (Union for National Dignity – UND), has officially been launched in Turkey, marking a significant new front in the country’s intensifying political landscape ahead of the next presidential contest.
The alliance is reportedly the brainchild of former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Yasin, one of the most influential and controversial figures in recent Somali politics. According to informed diplomatic and political sources, UND is believed to enjoy backing from the State of Qatar and is ideologically aligned with the conservative Islamist movement Al-I’tisam, a faction with deep social and religious networks across Somalia.
At the helm of the new coalition stands former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon ‘Saa’id (Saacid), who is positioning himself as a presidential contender against the incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (HSM).
The UND’s senior leadership reportedly includes former Galmudug President Abdikarim Hussein Guled and Puntland politician Guled Salah Barre, both seasoned figures with experience navigating Somalia’s clan-based and factional politics. Notably, Barre is also known as a political rival of Puntland’s President Sa’id Abdullahi Deni, a major player in the federal opposition landscape.
Analysts say Fahad Yasin’s return to the political spotlight through UND could dramatically reshape alliances within Somalia’s power corridors. Given his extensive network, financial muscle, and influence within key security and religious circles, the Saa’id campaign could become a formidable challenge to President Hassan Sheikh’s reelection prospects.
