Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has firmly ruled out any plans to run for the presidency, underscoring his loyalty and long-standing friendship with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Speaking during a televised question-and-answer program on Monday night, which coincided with the third anniversary of his appointment, Barre declared that he will never compete against the president who entrusted him with the premiership.
“I will not compete with the president who appointed me. That is clear and I tell everyone. If he does not run for president, I will look into it,” said the Prime Minister.
Barre highlighted that his relationship with President Mohamud spans more than two decades, describing it as a friendship that goes far beyond politics. He emphasized that their cooperation over the past three years has been built on mutual respect and trust, which has enabled them to work closely without major political disagreements.
The Prime Minister noted that his mission has always been to serve the Somali people and ensure stability, rather than engage in political rivalries that could undermine national development. “It would be impossible for me to run against the president who gave me the opportunity to serve as prime minister,” he said, pledging to continue working alongside President Mohamud for the benefit of the country.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed Hamse Abdi Barre, then a member of the Federal Parliament, as Prime Minister in June 2022. Since then, both leaders have maintained a unified front on key national issues, strengthening the image of political harmony at the top level of Somalia’s leadership.
Barre’s comments come at a time when Somalia is navigating critical political, economic, and security reforms, with his remarks intended to quell speculation about potential leadership rivalry ahead of future elections.
