Biography
Learn about the life, leadership, experience, and public service that have shaped our candidate’s vision for Somalia.
About us
H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo
The Ninth President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo”, is a Somali statesman, diplomat and public servant who served as the ninth President of the Federal Republic of Somalia from 2017 to 2022. He previously served as Prime Minister of Somalia and is the leader and presidential candidate of the Nabad iyo Nolol Party.
His public career has been shaped by a longstanding commitment to national unity, Somali sovereignty, institutional reform, accountable government and the restoration of public confidence in the state.
His leadership philosophy is founded on the conviction that Somalia’s challenges can be overcome through patriotism, collective responsibility and the effective use of the knowledge, talent and experience of the Somali people.
The President’s Journey
Early Life and Education
President Farmaajo was born on 11 May 1962 in Mogadishu, Somalia. His upbringing was strongly influenced by a family tradition of public service. His father participated in Somalia’s independence movement and later served in the national Department of Transportation, instilling in him an early sense of duty and responsibility towards his country.
He attended 1st Luuliyo Primary School and Lafoole Technical School before pursuing higher education. He earned a degree in History and Political Science and later obtained a master’s degree in liberal studies from the University at Buffalo in New York.
Diplomatic Career
Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo began his professional career in 1982, serving in administrative positions at Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1985, he was assigned to the Somali Embassy in Washington, D.C., marking the beginning of his diplomatic service in the United States.
This early experience provided him with direct knowledge of diplomacy, international relations and the importance of protecting Somalia’s national interests and maintaining effective engagement with the international community.
Public Service in the United States
Before returning to senior political leadership in Somalia, President Farmaajo held several public-service and community-development positions in the United States.
From 1995 to 2000, he served as a senior officer at the New York State Department of Transportation, where he worked to promote fairness, regulatory compliance and equal opportunity in the workplace.
He also served as an at-large Commissioner of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, worked as a case manager in a lead-abatement programme and supported minority-owned businesses. These responsibilities strengthened his experience in public administration, social inclusion, housing and community service.
Prime Minister of Somalia
Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia on 14 October 2010.
His administration operated during a period of serious political, security and institutional challenges. As Prime Minister, he prioritised security coordination, the armed forces, government performance and the restoration of public confidence in national leadership. His government worked with Somali security institutions and international partners to confront Al-Shabaab and recover parts of Mogadishu.
Ninth President of Somalia
On 8 February 2017, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo was elected by the Federal Parliament as the ninth President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. His election generated widespread joy, enthusiasm and renewed hope for reviving statehood after years of collapse, strengthening institutions, improving public services, advancing the common good and defending Somalia’s sovereignty.
During his presidency from 2017 to 2022, his administration focused on rebuilding and professionalising the Somali National Army, strengthening federal institutions, improving public financial management, promoting transparency and accountability, combating corruption and advancing economic and social reforms.
His government also prioritised education, healthcare, youth development, the rule of law and Somalia’s diplomatic standing. The administration’s policies were guided by the objective of rebuilding a capable, self-reliant and sovereign Somali state.
About Our President
Comprehensive services
Leader of the Nabad iyo Nolol Party
President Farmaajo leads the Nabad iyo Nolol Party, whose political programme is founded on national unity, peace, development, good governance, integrity, transparency and public accountability.
Under his leadership, the party seeks to bring Somalis together around a common national purpose, strengthen security, expand the sources of economic growth, create employment opportunities and establish institutions that serve citizens fairly and effectively.
He believes that national reconstruction requires the participation of all communities, regions and generations. His approach emphasises reconciliation, forgiveness, inclusive decision-making and the protection of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
Comprehensive services
A Vision for the Next Generation
President Farmaajo envisions a stable, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Somalia in which government is accountable, transparent and committed to combating corruption, and every citizen has a fair and equal opportunity to advance.
Central to this vision is the empowerment of Somali youth. He regards youth as partners and an indispensable force in strengthening public institutions, ensuring security, liberating the country, developing the economy, advancing innovation and leading Somalia’s political and social renewal.
His political programme seeks to strengthen national security, liberate the country, strengthen justice and good governance, accelerate economic growth, advance reconciliation, create jobs, empower youth and expand quality public services. Its ultimate objective is to build a united and self-reliant Somalia that today’s youth and future generations will be proud to inherit.
“Let us build together a Somalia that today’s youth can benefit from and future generations will be proud of.”
About us
Meet Our Candidate
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, popularly known as Farmaajo, is a prominent Somali politician and diplomat, who served as the 9th President of the Federal Republic of Somalia (2017–2022) and also Prime Minister (2010–2011).
During his tenure, President Farmaajo was recognized for his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, strengthening national institutions, and rebuilding the Somali National Army – key pillars of his broader vision of peace, stability, and national unity.
In 2012, he founded the political party Nabad iwo Nolol (“Peace and Life”), advocating for a governance philosophy based on honesty, self-reliance, and progress for all Somalis.
President Farmaajo’s efforts towards regional reconciliation gained international recognition when, in September 2019, he won the Concordia Leadership Award at the annual Concordia Summit held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The award, shared with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, honored their joint commitment to promoting peace and cooperation across the Horn of Africa.
During his tenure, President Farmaajo also celebrated the dedication of Somali institutions and civil servants – in particular, he awarded a national award to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation for their key role in restoring Somalia’s independent governance of its airspace after nearly three decades.
Guided by a deep sense of patriotism and service, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo continues to advocate for a strong, united, and prosperous Somalia built on transparency, resilience, and opportunity for every citizen.
Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo
Presidential Candidate 2026
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