Abshir Aden Ferro is a candidate for the presidential race in Somalia since 2021 and is currently campaigning for the 2026 elections.[1] His political platform is largely focused on establishing democratic elections and preventing the Al-Shabaab militant group from controlling the Somali government.[2] Ferro was born in Somalia in 1968. He moved to France at age twelve, where he became an entrepreneur and started several businesses.
Abshir Aden Ferro | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1968 Somalia |
| Citizenship | French and Somalian |
| Occupation(s) | Businessperson and politician |
| Known for | Running for President of Somalia |
| Political party | Alliance for the Future Party |
| Opponent | Al-Shabaab |
| Website | https://www.abshirferro.com/ |
Early life and education
editFerro was born in 1968[1] in Somalia.[3] His father was a former Somali deputy.[4] Ferro is also related to former president Mohamed Siad Barre,[4] model Iman Bowie,[5] and other politicians.[2] As a child, he attended school in Mogadishu and was taught from the Quran.[2] He also studied with nuns from Italy, until he moved to France at age twelve to be with his father and stepmother.[1][2] He spent a year back in Somali in language studies, before settling in London around age 21[2] for about 30 years.[2][3]
Business and politics
editWhile in London, Ferro married and founded an international security company called Fort Roche.[1][2] He also owns the companies Abshir Advisors and Somsec.[6] At first, he got involved in international politics by collaborating with the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations' anti-piracy efforts, and others.[2] He created the Somalian Alliance for the Future Party in 2019[1] and ran for the presidency of Somalia under that party in 2021, despite multiple attempts to assassinate him.[7]
Ferro's presidential campaign focuses on universal suffrage, removing the militant group, Al-Shabaab, and reducing corruption in Somalia [8][9] in the use of international aid and donors.[1][7] In Somalia, tribal leaders appoint deputies that vote for government appointees.[2] The country has not had universal suffrage since 1969.[2]In 2024, Ferro has been shortlisted amongst the 100 most reputable Africans. [10] In March 2024, Abshir Aden Ferro has been a speaker during Africa Political Outlook, a summit bringing together committed African, European and international experts, diplomats, political and economic decision-makers, with a view to discussing the major governance issues of the African continent. [11] In June 2024, Ferro was amongst the panelists at the third international conference presented by the Centrist Democrat International (CDI) on the theme of democracy in Africa. [12] Abshir has also been vocal against the actions of the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, [13][14] and called for unity and patriotism to overcome the challenges faced the people of Somalia.[15][16]
Personal life
editFerro travels frequently between London, Dubai and Mogadishu.[5] He is a dual French and Somali citizen.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Yaya, Ngonah (July 18, 2020). "Who is Abshir Aden Ferro, 2021 presidential candidate in Somalia". Afrinik. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Lorena, Sofia; Santos, Nuno Ferreira (October 5, 2020). "Abshir Aden Ferro quer "1460 dias" para mudar o futuro da Somália". PÚBLICO. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
- ^ a b Lorena, Sofia; Santos, Nuno (October 5, 2020). "Abshir Aden Ferro quer "1460 dias" para mudar o futuro da Somália". PÚBLICO (in Portuguese). Retrieved March 10, 2021.
- ^ a b c "SOMALIA : Turkish influence comes under fire in presidential campaign". Africa Intelligence. October 8, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
- ^ a b "L'Afrique ? La jeunesse d'un monde en devenir..." TECHNIKART (245): 68. December 22, 2020.
- ^ Fayol, Clément (April 15, 2016). "Soupçons de corruption dans un projet européen en Somalie". Le Monde.fr (in French). Retrieved March 10, 2021.
- ^ a b Okello, Christina (September 29, 2020). "Somali presidential candidate vows to fight corruption and al-Shabaab". RFI. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
- ^ "UE-Somalie-France : quand le « Qatargate » relance le combat d'Abshir Aden Ferro pour faire juger le « Somaliegate »". FinancialAfrik.com (in French). February 14, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
- ^ "Somaligate. Le scandale que le Parlement européen n'a pas vu". Observateur.info (in French). February 23, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
- ^ "100 Most Reputable Africans: The list of the 100 Most Reputable Africans is evidence of the tenacity and resiliency of the African continent". ReputationPoll.com. January 28, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
- ^ "Intervenants de l'Africa Political Outlook 2024". AfricaPoliticalOutlook.org (in French). March 28, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
- ^ "Jean-Marie BOCKEL à la conférence IDC, au Sénat français : « En Afrique, il ne peut y avoir de démocratie sans développement »". AfricaPress.paris (in French). June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
- ^ "Somalia opposition leader Abshir blasts PM Abiy for 'dividing' region". The-Star.co.ke. August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "Somalia opposition leader accuses Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed of dividing the region". Nation.Africa. August 31, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Somalia opposition party chief calls for unity talks". The-Star.co.ke. October 4, 2024. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
- ^ "Somalia Alliance for Future Party chairman stresses need for unity". Nation.Africa. September 30, 2024. Retrieved October 4, 2024.