On Saturday, August 23, a major political moment took place in Las Anod, the capital of Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State.
Lawmakers, who were officially sworn in a few days ago, elected Dr. Adan Abdullahi Aw-Hassan as the new Speaker of the Northeastern Parliament, a big win for the Firdhiye camp and the Federal Government.
The same day, the Speaker and two Deputy Speakers took the oath of office. The event marked the first full formation of the Northeastern Parliament, a key step in the region’s growing state-building efforts.
The result was a serious blow to the opposition, whose candidate, Abdiqafar Dheeliye, had led a strong and competitive campaign. But for supporters of the Federal Government, this was a carefully planned and successful political move in a very important contest.
Who is Dr. Adan Abdullahi Aw-Hassan?
Dr. Aw-Hassan is no stranger to politics or public service. He’s a Somali academic, international expert, and experienced government official.
He started his education in Somalia, earning a degree in Agricultural Science from Somali National University in 1982. He continued his studies in the United States, earning a master’s and then a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics — first at Utah State University and later at Oklahoma State University, where he finished his doctorate in 1992.
Dr. Aw-Hassan spent over 25 years working for ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas), a global research organization. There, he led programs on farming, economics, and sustainable development across countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Before retiring in 2017, he served as Director of ICARDA’s research program on economic and social policy. During his career, he worked with governments, universities, and global donors.
In Somalia, he previously served as Minister of Livestock in the immediate former SSC interim administration and ran for Vice President in the 2023 SSC interim administration. Most recently, he was elected to the Northeastern Parliament, setting the stage for his rise to Speaker.
Now, as Speaker, Dr. Aw-Hassan has promised to lead a transparent and effective parliament that focuses on local development and political stability.
His deep experience and international background could help him connect Northeastern with the wider world, including Somalia’s federal institutions and global partners.
A Fierce race: How the election was won
The race for Speaker was close and heated. Dr. Aw-Hassan, backed by the Federal Government and the Firdhiye political camp, faced off against opposition candidate Abdiqafar Dheeliye.
In the first round of vote, Dr. Aw-Hassan won with 53 votes. Dheeliye received 29. The result showed strong support for the government-backed side and signaled that the opposition may be losing ground in the region’s fast-changing political landscape.
Many see this result as the outcome of a strong, well-organized campaign by the Federal Government. The speakership is a powerful position, key to shaping the state’s political future and the upcoming presidential election.
Behind the Scenes: The Federal Government’s Role
The Federal Government of Somalia played an active role in supporting the Firdhiye camp’s push for leadership. Federal Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, Hon. Ali Yusuf Ali (Xoosh), held several consultations in recent weeks with traditional leaders, including Garaad Mukhtaar Garaad Ali Buraale and Sultan Mustafa Mahmoud Aw-seed, as well as respected intellectuals from the region.
The region’s constitution was ratified on July 30, 2025, a critical milestone. The Federal Government is said to prefer Abdulqadir Firdhiye, former leader of the transition administration, to continue as head of the new government. Former Puntland Speaker Abdirashid Jibriil, from the Sanaag region, is FGS’ preferred candidate to take the role of Vice President.
The election of Dr. Aw-Hassan as Speaker marks a turning point for the Northeastern Regional State. With a new parliament in place and leadership now chosen, attention will shift to forming the executive branch and preparing for a presidential election.
For supporters of federalism and regional development, this is a step forward. For the opposition, it’s a moment of reflection and likely regrouping. Either way, Northeastern Somalia has entered a new political era and Dr. Aw-Hassan is now at the center of it.
©️somali stream
