Galmudug

Galmudug is a federal member state of the Somali federal system. The name derives from two regions that comprise most of its territory: Galgaduud and Mudug. Dhusamareeb is the capital and seat of the state administration and institutions, while Galkacyo (in the southern part) is one of the major cities in the state.

The administration has undergone several transitions based on clan agreements. In 2014, an agreement was signed to form a regional administration combining Mudug and Galgaduud, with a technical committee of 25 members representing the clans residing in both regions. Subsequently, on 28 July 2015, approximately 800 representatives from 11 clans and sub-clans ratified a provisional constitution recognizing Galmudug as a federal member of Somalia.

Building of the state structure and district administrations

The establishment of district administrations has proceeded unevenly. The Ministry of Interior constructed the first district council in Galkacyo in 2020, following a three-year delay, while the Cadaado council was built in 2022 over a shorter period. By the end of 2024, Galmudug had increased its number of districts to 19. Analysis suggests that the clan agreements that existed previously are the main factor either accelerating or impeding the construction of local councils.

Ahlu Sunna Waljamaaca and the 2019–2020 election

The religiously-based group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaaca (ASWJ), which previously controlled Dhusamareeb, entered into a power-sharing agreement with the Galmudug administration in 2017 and subsequently signed another agreement with the federal government in 2019 concerning the integration of its militia into national forces. At that time, the Galmudug administration and Mogadishu came into conflict, and federal forces took control of the capital. In February 2020, Dhusamareeb Axmed Cabdi Kaariye (Qoorqoor) was elected, an election certified by the U.S. Embassy in Somalia. The dispute between ASWJ and the administration escalated into armed conflict in Galgaduud region in 2021.

Security and operations 2022–2023

In 2022, the federal government launched operations in the interior of the country in cooperation with local militias known as macawisley (clan militia). By early 2023, Al-Shabaab had withdrawn from much of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, and from large portions of Galgaduud and Mudug, though it retained control of some territory in Galmudug. A U.S. assessment of the operations indicated that Galmudug's efforts stalled in early November 2022 after Al-Shabaab retook the town of Wabxo two days after its capture, attributed to insufficient troop strength.

The 2026 election and constitutional dispute

The 2026 election cycle became a point of tension between Villa Somalia and the Galmudug administration. The National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEBC) scheduled elections for the Galmudug Regional Council and parliament for 30 July 2026, having previously set the date for 25 July. President Qoorqoor announced on 26 June 2026 that he would not run but would remain in office until the process concluded. The 30 July voting was reported to result in victory for the JSP coalition, which won 63 of 87 seats, a result disputed by other candidates.

On 24 August 2026, the Federal Supreme Court, chaired by Chief Justice Baashe Yuusuf Axmed, annulled the results of the 30 July election, stating they did not comply with the constitution and electoral law, and ordered a rerun. The NIEBC subsequently scheduled repeat elections for 30 September 2026 in Galmudug and Hirshabelle. At the same time, Galmudug's Parliamentary Speaker Maxamed Nuur Gacal accused Qoorqoor of deploying forces to block the construction of the Dhusamareeb parliament building.