As Somalia approaches its much-delayed presidential election, outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has reignited political tensions with a controversial push to form the Dir, Digil, and Mirifle (DDM) Alliance. Through secret meetings and strategic promises, Villa Somalia is attempting to shift the parliamentary dynamics in his favor. The plan? Install a Hawiye speaker of the Lower House, thereby locking out strong Hawiye contenders from the presidency and tipping the balance toward Farmaajo’s re-election. This move challenges the 4.5 clan power-sharing formula that has governed Somali politics for over two decades. Though flawed, the 4.5 formula has offered a semblance of stability. Farmaajo’s divide-and-rule approach risks tearing apart this fragile balance. Key allies like South West State’s President Laftagareen are spearheading this campaign, hoping to sway newly elected MPs from the DDM communities.