Mohamed Abdullah Mohamed, commonly known as Mohamed Abdullah Farmajo, is a Somali politician who served as the President of Somalia from February 2017 to May 2021. His life and political career reflect the complexities of Somali politics, marked by decades of civil war, clan dynamics, and international diplomacy. Here's an overview of his life, rise to prominence, and his political tenure.
Early life and education
Farmajo was born on March 11, 1962, in Mogadishu, Somalia. He belongs to the Marehan, a sub-clan of the Darod clan, which has played a significant role in Somali politics. Farmajo's early life coincided with a period when Somalia was still a unified country, before the collapse of its central government in 1991.
He left Somalia in the late 1980s to study in the United States. Where he earned a Bachelor's degree in history from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He later pursued a Master's degree in political Science and international Relations at the same institution. This Educational background provided him with a strong foundation for his later roles in diplomacy and politics.
Early Career
He worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia in an administrative capacity from 1982 to 1985. Between 1985 and 1988, Mohamud acted as First Secretary in the Somali embassy in Washington. after his arrival in America he put himself through school and achieved entry to the University at Buffalo. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in history in 1993.
From 1994 to 1997, Mohamed was chosen as an at-large Commissioner for the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, and worked there as the finance chairman. He also served as case manager for a lead abatement program in the city from 1995 to 1999. Between 2000 and 2002, Mohamud was a minority business coordinator for the Erie County. Division of Equal Employment opportunity.
From 2002 until his appointment as Prime Minister in late 2010, he worked as commissioner for Equal Employment at the New York State Department of Transportation in Buffalo. During this time he also completed his master's degree in political science from the University at Buffalo with his thesis titled, 'U.S. Strategic Interest in Somalia: From the Cold War Era to the War on Terror' and taught leadership skills and conflict resolution at Erie Community College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY).
In 2007, while Mohamed was leading a Somali community group in Buffalo, he was accused by some of the Somali-American leaders of manipulating the election process in the group, in order to stay in power, resulting in a split in the community.
Political career
Prime Minister of Somalia (2010 - 2011)
Farmajo's return to Somalia politics came in 2010 when he was appointed Prime Minister by then-president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. His brief tenure as Prime Minister, from October 2010 to June 2011, was marked by attempts at governmental reform, particularly in terms of reducing corruption and improving transparency within Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG). Farmajo also sought to reform the Somali National Army and took steps to implement governance measures amid the country's instability.
However, his time as Prime Minister ended abruptly due to political disagreements among Somali leaders and the international community's involvement in brokering political compromises. He resigned in June 2011, but his efforts had earned him a reputation as a politician committed to tackling Somalia's systemic issues.
Rise to the Presidency (2017)
After his resignation, Farmajo remained a popular figure within Somalia, especially among the diaspora and in regions where the government struggled to assert control. His reputation as a reformer and his clean image resonated with many Somalis who were tired of the entrenched corruption and instability.
In February 2017, Farmajo ran for the presidency in a hotly contested election. Somalia's electoral process while not a direct popular vote, is conducted through an indirect system involving members of parliament. Farmajo's victory in the election was a surprise to many, as he won against the incumbent, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and other established political figures. His election was celebrated with widespread hope for change and national unity.
Presidency (2017-2021)
Farmajo's tenure as President was marked by both high expectations and significant challenges. One of his key objective was strengthening of Somalia's security forces and neighbouring countries. His administration, with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), sought to reclaim territories held by the insurgents. While some progress was made, Al-Shabaab remained a potent throughout his presidency.
Farmajo also aimed to rebuild Somalia's fractured political system, engage in constitutional reform, and promote economic development. His administration was focused on reducing foreign debt and attracting international investment. Somalia achieved some milestones in this area, notably reaching a preliminary debt relief agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
However, Farmajo's Presidency was also marred by increasing political tensions. His government faced criticism for its handling of federalism in Somalia. Farmajo was accused of centralizing power and clashing with federal members states, which further complicated Somalia's fragile political landscape.
Controversies and Extended Tenure
One of the most contentious periods of Farmajo's presidency come towards the end of his term. The Somali presidential election, scheduled for February 2021, was delayed due to disagreements over the electoral process. Farmajo's opponents accused him of attempting to extend his term in office without a proper mandate. In April 2021, Somalia's parliament passed a bill extending Farmajo's term by two years, sparking outrage both domestically and internationally. The move led to clashes between government forces and opposition groups in Mogadishu.
Following intense domestic and international pressures, Farmajo eventually agreed to a negotiated settlement that paved the way for elections his term officially ended in May 2021, although the political crisis surrounding the elections persisted for several more months.
Legacy
Mohamed Abdullah Farmajo remains a polarizing figure in Somali politics. Supporters praise him for his efforts to fight corruption, strengthen national institutions, and reduce foreign debt. His background as part of the Somali diaspora also gave him a broad perspective on Somalia's role in global affairs.
Critics, however, argue that Farmajo's presidency was marked by divisive policies that exacerbated tensions between the federal government and regional states. His attempt to extend his term also raised concerns about Somalia's democratic transition.
Ultimately, Farmajo's legacy is tied to Somalia's ongoing Struggle for stability and development. His presidency highlighted both the challenges of governing a country emerging from decades of conflict and the deep-rooted political divisions that continue to shape Somalia's future.
0 Comments