A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LEADERSHIP: PRESIDENT HASSAN SHEIKH MOHAMUD VS. FORMER PRESIDENT MOHAMED ABDULLAHI FARMAJO IN SOMALIA

Introduction

Somalia has experienced significant political transitions over the past decade, with leadership playing a crucial role in shaping the country's stability, security, and governance. Two key figures in Somalia's modern political landscape are President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. Their contrasting leadership styles, policies, and approaches to governance have sparked extensive debates among Somalis and international observers alike. This article provides a comparative analysis of their leadership, focusing on governance, security, foreign policy, national unity, and economic reforms.

Governance and Political Stability

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (2012–2017, re-elected in 2022) has emphasized reconciliation and institution-building. His administration has focused on dialogue with political actors, federal states, and opposition groups, striving for a more inclusive government. However, challenges such as corruption and weak state institutions remain persistent.

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo (2017–2022) prioritized centralized power and strong executive control, often clashing with federal states. His tenure saw delays in elections and accusations of authoritarianism. However, his administration attempted key reforms in financial transparency and anti-corruption measures, including securing debt relief agreements with international lenders.

Security and Counterterrorism

Security remains Somalia’s most pressing issue, primarily due to the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab.

• Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s approach has been centered on rebuilding national forces and fostering community-led resistance against Al-Shabaab. His second term has seen an intensified military campaign backed by clan militias and international allies.
• Farmajo’s tenure focused on strengthening Somalia’s security forces, with efforts to reduce dependency on AMISOM (now ATMIS). However, his government was criticized for politicizing security institutions, especially during election disputes.

Foreign Policy and Regional Relations

Somalia’s diplomatic stance under both leaders has been shaped by geopolitical rivalries in the Horn of Africa.

• Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pursued a balanced foreign policy, seeking improved ties with neighbors like Kenya and Ethiopia while maintaining Somalia’s sovereignty.
• Farmajo’s administration leaned toward a strong alliance with Ethiopia and Eritrea, straining relations with Kenya and the UAE. His decision to cut diplomatic ties with Kenya over maritime disputes was controversial.

Economic Reforms and Public Finance Management

Both leaders made efforts to improve Somalia’s economic framework, though with differing priorities.

• Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s administration introduced key reforms in public finance management, particularly in increasing revenue collection, reducing reliance on donor aid, and improving fiscal discipline. His government achieved a major milestone in securing Somalia’s eligibility for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, allowing Somalia to access international financial support. However, Farmajo’s administration faced criticism for a lack of transparency in managing public funds, with allegations of misappropriation of resources, particularly in security and infrastructure projects.
• Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s second term has focused on continuing the debt relief process and expanding economic opportunities through regional trade and investment partnerships. However, his administration faces significant challenges, including accusations of corruption within key government sectors and a weak institutional framework for economic governance. Critics argue that despite international financial aid, tangible improvements in Somalia’s economic conditions remain slow.

Corruption Allegations and Accountability

Both administrations have been marred by allegations of corruption, although the nature and scale of the accusations differ.

• During Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s first term (2012–2017), his government faced major corruption scandals, including mismanagement of international donor funds and allegations of embezzlement within key ministries. The UN Monitoring Group on Somalia reported significant irregularities in how aid money was handled, which contributed to his electoral loss in 2017. His second term has been met with renewed scrutiny, particularly regarding government contracts and revenue-sharing agreements with foreign entities.
• Farmajo’s administration made efforts to improve financial transparency, but was accused of using state funds for political gain. Reports surfaced about funds being directed toward pro-government security forces and political allies, especially during the contentious election period. Additionally, opposition figures accused Farmajo’s government of lacking accountability in its financial dealings with foreign partners, including Qatar and Turkey.

National Unity and Federalism

Federalism remains a divisive issue in Somalia.

• Hassan Sheikh Mohamud promotes a conciliatory approach, engaging with regional states to foster cooperation.
• Farmajo sought a more centralized governance model, often clashing with federal states like Puntland and Jubaland, which accused him of authoritarian tendencies.

Conclusion

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo have each shaped Somalia’s political, security, and economic landscape in different ways. Farmajo's tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen state institutions, improve financial transparency, and assert a more centralized governance model. However, his confrontational approach to federal states and election-related disputes led to political instability and accusations of authoritarianism. His administration’s focus on security sector reforms and economic restructuring, including securing debt relief, was seen as a positive step, though allegations of financial mismanagement persisted.

On the other hand, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has prioritized reconciliation and institutional rebuilding, aiming to mend relations with federal states and regional partners. His leadership style leans towards consensus-building, which has helped ease tensions but has also faced criticism for slow progress in governance and economic reforms. While his administration continues the debt relief process and expands military campaigns against Al-Shabaab, corruption concerns remain a significant challenge.

Ultimately, the success of Somalia’s leadership depends not just on individual presidents but on the ability to build sustainable institutions, enforce accountability, and foster long-term stability. As Somalia moves forward, addressing corruption, strengthening federal-state cooperation, and ensuring political inclusivity will be key in shaping the country's future.