The announcement by former Somalia prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire that he will be challenging incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has elicited reactions among Somalis around the world.
Khaire made the announcement on his social media accounts on Saturday, September 12.
“After long thinking and consultations, I will like to share with you my candidature for the presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia. With complete understanding of the opportunities and challenges with regards to the kind of leadership our country needs now and in the future, I once again put myself up to serve my people with proficiency, integrity and honesty,” Khaire said in the statement
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In July 25, 2020, Somalia’s Parliament impeached Hassan Ali Khaire after he fell out with President Farmajo.
Legislators voted 170-8 to remove the PM.
Khaire had served as the prime minister from 2017, he had gained popularity from the Somali people and the international community which expressed anger after his removal.
Majority of Somalis now believe Khaire’s candidature will dent Farmajo’s reelection bid.
A section of Somalis believe Khaire will struggle to defeat Farmajo with some questioning his credibility during his time as prime minister.
Khaire has previously worked in the oil industry as an executive.
Khaire has a dual Norwegian citizenship and once worked as a primary school teacher in Norway he also had a job at the Norwegian Refugee Council before joining the British energy explorer, Soma Oil and Gas.
He quit his job at Soma Oil as the executive director for Africa to take up the job of the prime minister of Somalia.
Khaire comes from the influential Hawiye clan and his appointment as PM was meant to appease them.
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