Somalia's presidential race takes shape as four candidates emerge

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Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud casts his ballot during a past general election. [Hassan Ali Elmi, AFP]

Somalia's next presidential election is beginning to dominate political discourse, with four prominent figures emerging as the leading contenders to succeed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Although the vote is still months away, political discussions in the capital, Mogadishu, have largely focused on former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon (Saacid), and businessman Omar Abdulkadir Ahmed Fiqi.

Each candidate brings a distinct vision for a nation grappling with persistent insecurity, fragile state institutions and economic challenges.