Somalia's Political Heavyweights Unite Ahead of 2026 Polls

In a significant change for Somalia's political landscape, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has formed a coalition of former rivals. He launched the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) as he prepares for the country's first one-person, one-vote elections in over 50 years.

The party was introduced on Tuesday evening in Mogadishu. It brings together political adversaries from both federal and regional levels. Many of these individuals have clashed over power and authority for years. Now, they are united in what many call Somalia's strongest political force since the civil war.

"This country cannot afford to tear itself apart every five years," President Hassan stated at the launch. "We need continuity, cohesion, and institutions that survive beyond individuals."

The JSP's leadership includes notable Somali politicians who were once enemies. In Galmudug, federal MP Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein (Odowaa), regional President Ahmed Abdi Karie (Qoorqoor), and ex-NISA chief Mahad Mohamed Salad now work together. Odowaa is the party's Secretary General.

In Southwest Somalia, Speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe and President Abdiaziz Laftagareen have also joined forces. They are joined by former Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jamac). Even Mukhtar Robow, previously detained to facilitate Laftagareen’s presidency, is now part of this coalition.

"This isn't just a party -- it's a strategic political machine," said Dr. Abdinasir Mohamed from Mogadishu University. He noted it shows a rare moment of political maturity where personal grudges are set aside for national unity.

The formation of the JSP comes as Somalia prepares for its first nationwide direct vote since 1969. This marks a crucial moment in a country long affected by clan-based electoral politics.

By uniting influential figures who once acted independently, President Mohamud aims to create a new political strategy. This approach combines loyalty, reconciliation, and national appeal into one campaign vehicle.

"While opposition groups remain scattered and reactive, the president is building disciplined infrastructure ahead of 2026," said Fadumo Warsame from the Hiraal Institute. "It puts the opposition on notice."

Dr. Osman Ahmed, an analyst based in Nairobi, added that Mohamud has turned his critics into allies with shared goals for the future. "This party could dominate upcoming polls if it holds together."

Since Siad Barre's fall in 1991, Somalia has faced civil war and unstable governments. The current federal system began in 2000 using a clan-based "4.5 formula." This method allocates power among major clans but has been criticized for deepening divisions.

The shift to one-person, one-vote elections planned for 2026 is seen as historic but faces challenges like security threats from al-Shabaab and weak electoral infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, with the JSP’s emergence, President Hassan Sheikh may have achieved a rare political success by uniting fractured elites before Somalia's biggest democratic test in decades.