The election defeat of former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo marks the end of a turbulent era defined by hypernationalism and divisive populism. His Nabad iyo Nolol (N&N) movement fused ultranationalist rhetoric, conservative religiosity, and authoritarian politics, reshaping Somalia’s political landscape. Drawing inspiration from Trump-style populism, Farmaajo and his allies weaponised nationalism, framing themselves as the sole defenders of Somali identity while labelling opponents as traitors. This ideology tapped into Pan-Somali sentiments, inflaming tensions with Kenya, straining regional relations, and deepening internal divisions. N&N also found ideological allies in the conservative Salafi movement Al-I’tisaam, reinforcing a rigid, intolerant worldview. Even with Farmaajo out of office, the movement’s influence persists with a substantial bloc in parliament still loyal to his ideas.