Editorial Team: In the Middle of a Crisis, Liibaan Ahmed Hassan is Demonstrating What True Leadership Looks Like
In Somalia today, where regional politics are typically characterized by clan alignments, defensive posturing, and reactive leadership, one candidate is moving in the exact opposite direction — literally and figuratively.
Presidential aspirant Liibaan Ahmed Hassan of Galmudug state made headlines recently when he ventured out of his native region to Aadan Yabaal, a district of HirShabelle state — a hotbed of the current battle against Al-Shabaab.
It may appear a minor act to perform, yet in Somali politics, this is essentially unprecedented. Politicians and candidates rarely venture outside their areas. Their actions, promises, and presence are usually confined within the boundaries of their constituencies and regions. This reflects the challenges of Somalia’s political landscape, where states tend to prioritize regional interests, and efforts at inter-regional coordination are a work in progress.
Yet Liibaan’s visit to Aadan Yabaal was not just a departure from tradition. It was a statement of intent. A sign that he doesn’t envision leadership as being bound by state borders — that Somalia’s battle against extremism has to be a national campaign, and not a regional one.
He went to be amidst the Somali National Army, the Ma’awisley militia, and the local communities worst affected by Al-Shabaab. He went to stand in solidarity, to see the situation on the ground, and to deliver a straightforward message: you’re not alone.
A New Model of Leadership
Liibaan did not go alone. He had General Odowaa Yusuf Raage, the Head of the Somali National Army, and Xasan Cali Nuur ‘Shuute’, Chairman of the Military Court, with him. These are not minor figures — they are some of the top men in Somalia’s security hierarchy. That Liibaan went with them means something. It indicates that he is not a local player. It indicates that he is a person who is respected and trusted on the national level.
This is because Galmudug does not require a ceremonial leader. It requires a problem solver. Among the region’s— and the nation’s — greatest challenges is insecurity.
Al-Shabaab had for a long time utilized the corridor between Jilib in the Middle Juba region and Mudug in central Somalia as a main supply and escape route. They could travel from region to region with minimal resistance, taking advantage of administrative gaps and poor security coordination. Aadan Yabaal was in the middle of that chain — a crucial strategic location.
No Longer the Case
As a consequence of heightened military operations, led by the Somali National Army with the support of the Community Defence Forces dubbed Ma’awisley militia, that corridor is being closed off. Fighters are being cut off. Supplies are being disrupted. Liibaan said he’s personally committed to maintaining that momentum.
“We have come so that they can no longer move around freely,” he said during the visit. “It is necessary to completely cut them off and eliminate them.”
These are not the words of an office candidate. These are the words of a leader who is already conducting himself with the sense of responsibility and urgency of a person in office.
Galmudug Political Reality
Galmudug has not performed well. The formative years of this state have been marked by fierce political infighting, leadership transitions tainted by controversy, and slow-moving institutions that fail to deliver even on the most basic of services. Citizens feel abandoned and detached from the development process, with some wondering about the effectiveness of government institutions.
That’s what makes Liibaan’s run intriguing and significant. He brings fresh energy but also a clear grasp of governance and security. He has a background working in high-pressure situations, and – as his visit to Aadan Yabaal shows – he is not afraid of tough locations or tough discussions.
What Galmudug needs now is not just a change of name. It needs a change of leadership. Someone who shows up. Someone who listens. Someone who doesn’t see the presidency as a title, but as a responsibility.
Empowering Local Fighters and Communities
The most poignant experience of Liibaan’s journey was his encounter with the Ma’awisley — the local warriors who took up arms to protect their families, towns, and farms. They are now the backbone of Somalia’s campaign against Al-Shabaab, and they’ve done it with little equipment and great bravery.
Liibaan did not shake hands only; he delivered a genuine message-be united, be open-minded, obey your leaders, and be strong spiritually. He reminded them how far they’ve traveled — how their wins have altered the landscape of the battle — and urged them not to lose focus of the objective before the task is accomplished.
This kind of political and moral backing is necessary. It boosts morale, of course. But more importantly, it shows that their sacrifices are not going unnoticed, that their efforts are indeed part of a national effort. In a country where so many of the local fighters feel forgotten, that recognition goes a long way.
Beyond Borders, Beyond Politics
The symbolism of the visit must not be lost. Liibaan hails from Galmudug. Aadan Yabaal is in HirShabelle. Yet he transcended that line not for politics, but in solidarity. He carried with him the message that Somalia is a single nation, with a single struggle — and that those fighting against Al-Shabaab in HirShabelle are deserving of the same attention and support as anyone in any other region.
This type of thinking is not common in Somali politics. Leaders too frequently succumb to parochialism, protecting their state interests but not envisioning the larger picture. But Somalia’s issues — insecurity, underdevelopment, corruption — recognize no regional borders. The solutions cannot either.
Liibaan’s experience shows that he understands this. It shows that he’s considering the big picture, even as he campaigns for a state-level position. And that is exactly the sort of thinking Galmudug — and Somalia — needs most right now.
A Vision of the Future?
There is still a campaign to be run. There are no guarantees. But Liibaan Ahmed Hassan is making a definitive statement — not just in words, but in action. His endorsement of the continued war against Al-Shabaab, in line with national priorities, has made him a leader who recognizes the imperative of securing the future of Somalia. As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reiterated, the war against Al-Shabaab is a domestic priority, and having allies such as Liibaan, who show unshakeable resolve to the cause, is an invaluable asset to the success of the country.
He’s demonstrating the kind of leadership that has been wished for by individuals: down-to-earth, present, and committed to unity. He’s proposing a new beginning for Galmudug — not one founded on political deals, but on actual engagement, security experience, and readiness to lead from the front.
And above all, he’s showing what leadership at its finest can look like: empathetic, courageous, and collaborative.
In Aadan Yabaal, set about 200 kilometres from both Mogadishu and Dhusamareb capitals, Liibaan showed us what the future can be. The people of Galmudug now have the choice to determine whether they wish to turn it into reality.