Somalia’s outgoing president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, recently visited Qatar alongside political ally Fahad Yasin, sparking speculation over Doha’s role in Somalia’s upcoming elections. The trip, held just weeks before Somalia chooses its next leader, is seen as highly unusual in diplomatic practice particularly given Farmaajo’s contested legitimacy after overstaying his constitutional mandate. Analysts suggest the visit was more than symbolic, potentially signaling that Qatar fully supports Farmaajo and Fahad as its preferred candidates. Such endorsement could sway Somalia’s political elite, given Doha’s extensive financial influence in the country. A telling detail emerged when Farmaajo was photographed with a folder labeled “The Somali Republic,” omitting the federal designation hinting at his political ambition to dismantle federalism and restore a centralized state, a vision aligned with regional allies Ethiopia and Eritrea. While unverified reports suggest Washington may be pressuring Qatar to steer Farmaajo away from another term, many analysts believe Doha’s actions point to clientelist regime consolidation rather than leadership change. The visit underscores the complex interplay of foreign influence, Somali political maneuvering, and the high-stakes battle over the country’s governance structure. The outcome could significantly impact Somalia’s political stability and its fragile federal system.