Jubaland opposition candidate Ahmed Safi secures backing from elders and diaspora

Ahmed Safi, a presidential hopeful and leader of the Jubaland Union Candidates, has won the backing of influential elders, professionals, political leaders, and diaspora members in Nairobi.

Mr. Safi contested in elections by the Jubaland Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (JIBEC).

Safi, whose support base is in Kismayo but extends across Somali cities, rejected the legitimacy of the election conducted in the port city last year.

He said the process lacked transparency and violated constitutional mandates.

His party, along with allied opposition groups, endorsed him as their consensus flag bearer following weeks of consultations in Nairobi.

The endorsement marks a rare moment of unity among Jubaland’s opposition, which has historically fractured along clan lines.

Elders praised Safi’s leadership credentials, describing him as a pragmatic coalition-builder with experience in mediation and governance reform.

Safi has also drawn strong support from the Jubaland diaspora in North America, Europe, the Gulf, and East Africa, who see him as capable of strengthening political stability and attracting investment.

The move sets up Safi as the most serious challenger yet to President Ahmed Madobe, who has ruled Jubaland for more than a decade.

Elders, youth, professionals and diaspora community from various Jubaland clans announce their support for Ahmed Safi in a Nairobi gathering. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

Ugaas Khalif rooted for his candidacy with diaspora leaders endorsing him as the candidate capable of advancing Jubaland’s political stability and development, while also strengthening ties with international partners.

“The diaspora has long been a backbone of Jubaland through remittances and advocacy,” said Ugaas Khalif.

“Ahmed Safi represents a new kind of leadership that can align the interests of our people at home and abroad,” he added.

Mr. Safi is expected to launch his policy agenda in the coming weeks, focusing on governance, security, youth opportunities, and social services.

Mr. Ahmed Safi is expected to articulate a detailed policy agenda for Jubaland with women and other stakeholders engagement meetings in Kenya and Somalia.

He has suggested prioritising strengthening local governance, improving security, expanding social services, and creating opportunities for youth.

His backers argue that his broad-based support—from elders, political leaders, and diaspora communities—gives him a rare legitimacy in Jubaland’s polarised political space.