For Immediate Release On June 26, 2025

Background Somalia stands at a pivotal turning point. Years of stalled progress, political instability, and fragmented leadership have left the country struggling to meet even the most basic expectations of its citizens. The absence of effective governance, growing mistrust between institutions, and persistent insecurity have created a vacuum that threatens the country’s sovereignty, national unity, security, and stability.

Gurmad Qaran (GQ) was created in this moment of uncertainty—not as a reaction, but as a forward-looking movement for change determined to help chart a new course for Somalia. It brings together Somalis from across the nation and the global diaspora, united by the belief that a better future must be built through capable leadership, rule of law, public trust, and accountable governance.

Gurmad Qaran is rooted in Somali identity, national purpose, and a shared responsibility to protect the Republic. We believe in a political system grounded in the rule of law, constitutional order, and leadership that prioritizes the public interest. We reject corruption, exclusion, and the slow erosion of trust in Somalia’s public institutions. GQ movement champions a transparent, merit-based approach to leadership—where decisions are guided by evidence, where governance reflects competence, and where public institutions serve all Somalis fairly. GQ is built on the conviction that progress must be earned through performance and transparency.

Gurmad Qaran Vision

To champion the building of a united and prosperous Somalia, where the rights of all citizens are protected, institutions are strengthened, and the rule of law serves as the foundation of public life. GQ was found to help restore trust, renew national purpose, and deliver tangible results the Somali people can see and feel.

Somalia’s Pressing Challenges

1. Absence of a Shared National Vision Somalia remains adrift, lacking a clear and consistent national direction at home and foreign policy. Without a unified vision guiding both domestic policy and international engagement, the country struggles to define its priorities, assert its interests, or chart a stable course forward. Each new administration sets its own agenda—often abandoning what came before. Ministries shift priorities, programs and projects are repeatedly launched, stalled, or abandoned altogether. This constant political reset has weakened institutions, wasted valuable time and resources, and left the country without a clear or consistent direction.

2. Fragmented Governance The structure of Somalia’s governance remains ambiguous and fiercely contested. Power struggles between federal and regional authorities have become a permanent feature of the political landscape, stalling coordination and national decision-making. Disputes over resource allocation, authority, and constitutional interpretation paralyze progress. Essential services—security, education, health—are absent and not delivered.

3. Enduring Insecurity and Extremism Al-Shabaab and other violent actors continue to fill the vacuum left by weak or absent government institutions. In many rural districts, there is no state presence—no police, no courts, no safety net. Communities are left to fend for themselves, often forced to comply with those who control the territory, not those who claim legitimacy.

4. Entrenched Corruption and Mismanagement Corruption has become institutionalized. Public contracts and appointments are based on loyalty, cronyism, and clan favouritism. This culture has drained public institutions of effectiveness and stripped government of credibility.

5. Collapse of Public Trust in Leadership After years of unfulfilled promises and recycled elites, many Somalis no longer believe in politics. Participation in public life is declining. Across the country, a dangerous silence is taking hold—not from satisfaction, but from exhaustion. When belief in leadership disappears, so does the foundation of the state. Trust must be earned, not demanded.

The Governing Agenda of Gurmad Qaran

Somalia is running out of time After decades of instability, corruption, and recycled leadership, we are approaching a dangerous threshold— where public trust collapses, the state erodes, and extremism fills the vacuum. The status quo is not working—it is surviving. Gurmad Qaran champions for a clear break. This is not a campaign of

promises. It is a governing agenda for national recovery, state legitimacy, and generational renewal. Together, they define what Gurmad stands for—and what Somalia must urgently reclaim.

1. National Reconciliation Through Justice and Inclusion

Somalia cannot unify without truth and reconciliation. Gurmad Qaran believes reconciliation is not just about dialogue—it’s about restoring dignity and trust among the Somali people. This means acknowledging past wrongs, creating a platform for grievances and repairing broken the relationships between federal and state actors, communities, and citizens. Reconciliation is not a one-time event—it is a national commitment to inclusion, accountability, and a shared future.

2. Political Stability Rooted in Accountability

Gurmad Qaran will advocate and champion governance system where appointments are earned through merit, public finances are transparent, and leaders are held accountable for failure or abuse of power. GQ will advocate and remain committed to ending the culture of political impunity. Stability must come from legitimacy, not inertia. This is not about managing the status quo better—it’s about replacing it with system where public service means exactly serving the public.

3. Institutions That Deliver and End Gatekeeping

Somalia’s institutions exist—but they do not function. Ministries, courts, and agencies are often tools of political reward, not public good. GQ believes structural reforms to professionalize public administration, depoliticize civil service, and ensure every office delivers results tied to measurable outcomes. GQ will advocate to break the cycle of politicized hiring to make performance—not loyalty and favouritism the standard.

4. Basic Services and Rural Economic Renewal

Somalia’s rural communities have been ignored for too long. GQ supports national priorities to reinvest in rural areas—with roads, clean water, schools, health facilities, job opportunities, environment and climate change impacts. This is not about aid—it’s about economic dignity. GQ believes in building regional infrastructure that reduces migration, revives agricultural productivity, and stabilizes communities through opportunity, not dependency.

5. Equal Justice and Legal Protection for All

Justice in Somalia must be more than just a slogan. GQ believes in restoring public faith in the legal system by making it independent, fair, and accessible to all citizens—not just the well-connected or powerful. GQ will champion the fight against judicial corruption, invest in legal aid and training, and ensure that survivors of violence, exploitation, and displacement have access to real justice. Justice must work—for everyone.

6. Sovereignty, Security, and National Integrity

A state that cannot defend itself or govern without foreign interference is not sovereign. GQ believes in the territorial integrity and sanctity of Somalia’s sovereignty. GQ is committed to the building of the country’s security apparatus—not only to confront extremism, but also to ensure that the government functions effectively and remains accountable across all regions. Somalia must speak with one voice— its own.

Charting a New Path:

Gurmad Qaran envisions a united and prosperous Somalia, built on inclusive dialogue, ethical leadership, and the rule of law. Guided by lessons from the past and present challenges, it calls for rallying solution-oriented citizens and leaders, convening a national conference, and strengthening justice through transparent, accountable governance. It advocates for rejecting divisive politics, protecting national resources, and fostering principled, competent leadership. With collective resolve and vision, Somalia can rise above its challenges and move toward a future defined by unity, dignity, and lasting hope for generations to come.

Founding members of Gurmad Quran:

1) Dr Ahmed Sharif Abas 2) Abdirahman Dahir Osman 3) Abukar A. Arman 4) Ahmed Abas Ahmed 5) Ali Haji Warsame 6) Asha Gelle Dirie 7) Abdelkarim A Haji Hassan 8) Dr. Aweys Omar Mohamud 9) Dayib Sh. Axmed 10) Mohamed Abshir Fatah 11) Wilo Abdulle Osman 12) Zainab Hassan Contact: Email: gurmadqaran.

[email protected] Twitter: @teamgurmad