Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, commonly known as "Farmaajo," is a Somali politician who served as the President of Somalia from February 16, 2017, until May 15, 2022. Born on March 11, 1962, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Mohamed was raised in a politically active family. His family belonged to the Marehan sub-clan of the larger Darod clan. His surname, “Farmaajo,” is a derivative of the Italian word "formaggio," meaning cheese, a nickname reportedly due to his fondness for cheese.

In his early years, Mohamed moved to the United States, where he pursued higher education. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in history from the University at Buffalo in 1993, later completing a master’s degree in political science and international relations in 2009 from the same university. Mohamed then held various governmental positions, including working in Somalia’s embassy in Washington, D.C., before fully entering Somali politics.

His political career took a significant leap when he was appointed Prime Minister of Somalia by then-President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in 2010. As Prime Minister, he initiated reforms aimed at combating corruption, improving security, and stabilizing the nation. His time as Prime Minister was short-lived, however, ending in 2011 after his administration faced opposition and political infighting, leading to his resignation under pressure.

In 2017, Mohamed ran for the presidency and won in a landmark election, reflecting Somalia’s strides toward stabilizing governance. His administration initially garnered support for its focus on restoring Somali sovereignty, particularly in reducing foreign influence and improving national defense. Mohamed’s presidency was characterized by efforts to strengthen the Somali Armed Forces and reduce the influence of the militant group Al-Shabaab, often collaborating with the United States and other allies to conduct operations against the group.

However, Mohamed's tenure was not without controversies. His government faced criticism for delays in elections, and tensions rose significantly in 2021 when his term expired without elections being held, sparking political uncertainty. He attempted to extend his mandate by two years, a move that led to armed confrontations in Mogadishu and widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. Eventually, amid mounting pressure, he agreed to a new timeline for elections, which took place in 2022.

After a prolonged electoral process, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected as Mohamed’s successor, marking the end of Mohamed’s presidency. Despite the challenges faced during his administration, Mohamed’s leadership remains notable for his focus on nationalism and attempts at strengthening Somalia’s governmental institutions in a complex and often turbulent political environment.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Abdullahi_Mohamed