Dr Abdullahi Ali, an accomplished businessman and philanthropist has thrown his hat in the ring to oust Jubbaland president, Ahmed Mohamed Islaam commonly known as Sheikh Madobe.
The 50-year-old Dr Ali who rose from a refugee camp in Kenya to achieve top-notch education both at the University of Nairobi and the United States, is coming with the agenda of generational change and the mobilisation of Jubbaland people in the diaspora to bring back their experience and resources to develop the State.
He announced his candidature in June 2024 after consulting with friends and traditional leaders for the last two years. Dr Ali is seeking to tackle the security challenges by defeating Al Shabaab who still controls 57 percent of Jubbaland.
He accuses his opponent Sheikh Madobe of failing to get rid of Al Shabaab since 2013. Dr Ali wants to create a special force of between 8,000 and 18,000, who are well-equipped and motivated to fight the militants in Jubbaland.
He also wants to ensure that liberated areas have a long-term plan including delivery of government services to prevent those communities falling back into the hands of Al Shabaab.
Dr Ali’s manifesto talks about creating opportunities for the youth in the government and initiating programs intended to help them gain skills. He promises to create a conducive environment for local and external investments.
“I have three main issues to address; taking care of security by getting rid of Al Shabaab, bringing back those who were displaced due to insecurity and addressing poverty. I intend to engage the diaspora and the international community to help build a strong economy in Jubbaland”, said Dr Ali
Born in Jubbaland, Dr Ali lived in Kenya for 19 years, went to school in the US and lived there for 15 years. He has 24 years of experience in the humanitarian and business sector.
“I have a clear picture and tje capacity to achieve these dreams for a peaceful and prosperous Jubbaland,” he said.
Rather than imposing top-down approaches, Dr Ali advocates for elite political consensus and inclusive democratic processes to foster restorative justice and reconciliation
“Our alliance understands that effective solutions must be rooted in our cultural context, while also recognizing the need to strengthen government institutions for political stability and societal flourishing.,” said Dr Ali.
The key issues that will shape the elections in November include security, economy, and clannism. Sheikh Modobe has been unable to eliminate Al-Shabaab in Jubbaland, with 57 percent of the state, including the capital, Buale, in the hands of the militants.
Dr Ali, a member of the Aulihan of Ogaden, which is dominant in Middle Juba and parts of Gedo with huge presence in Lower Juba, vows to liberate Buale, the capital of Jubbaland and is currently controlled by Al-Shabaab.
An accomplished businessman and humanitarian operative, Dr Ali is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gateway Community Services and CEO of LAAFYO Property Development. He is also the founder of the East-African-based non-profit organisation, Nurture All Afric Foundation.
Dr Ali’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication to lifelong learning and excellence. Born in Somalia and raised in the Kenyan refugee camp of Dadaab, Dr Ali resettled in Maine as a refugee, bringing with him a wealth of experience and ambitions.
While in Kenya, Dr Ali earned an Associate’s degree in Community Development and completed coursework towards a degree in Sociology and Public Administration at the University of Nairobi. In the United States, he pursued higher education with determination, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a minor in Economics from the University of Southern Maine.
He furthered his studies with a Master of Science degree in Justice Studies with a concentration in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
Dr Ali holds a PhD in Public Policy from the Muskie School of Public Policy at the University of Southern Maine, cementing his expertise and commitment to public service.
In 2019, Maine Magazine honoured Dr Ali as one of “50 Mainers Creating a Brighter Future for the State,” and in 2020, he received the Metamorphosis Visionary Leadership Award.
In 2023, Dr Ali received the Maine Black Excellence Award: Community Bow and Stern, for Best All Around Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy.
Dr has consolidated the support of major tribes in Jubaland including overwhelming support from traditional and political leaders.
Dr Ali says that he has the support of the younger generation in Jubaland and across Somalia because he can connect with them. He is seen by many as a neutral, vibrant and viable alternative to the decade-old administration in Jubaland.
