Hassan Sheikh Reaches Galmudug Side of Galkayo, but Somalia’s Political Divide Looms Large

Galkayo (WDN) —President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s arrival in Galkayo was presented as a celebration of peace, reconciliation and Somali unity. Yet the symbolism of his visit also exposed one of the most striking realities of Somalia’s political fragmentation: the country’s president can now visit only one half of a city that is physically united but politically divided.

Hassan Sheikh and Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye “Qoorqoor” arrived in Galkayo from the southern, Galmudug-controlled side after traveling by road from Dhusamareb. They were welcomed at Abdullahi Issa Airport by thousands of residents, politicians, traditional elders, women and young people.

The reception was reportedly warm, and the President used the occasion to praise Galkayo’s residents for overcoming the violence that once divided the city. But behind the celebrations lies a striking political reality.

The President of Somalia did not cross into the Puntland side of Galkayo