Amid a worsening political crisis, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo visited Qatar to meet Emir Hammad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, officially to seek drought aid. However, the timing suggests deeper political motives. While Farmaajo projected stability on the international stage, Somalia’s fragile electoral process was collapsing at home. The Council of Presidential Candidates denounced the polls as fraudulent and threatened a boycott. Qatar’s influence in Somalia has grown significantly, with Doha shaping domestic and foreign policy, managing political alliances, and providing financial backing to favored candidates. Once thought to be distancing itself from Somalia, Qatar has renewed support for Farmaajo and his ally Fahad Yasin, fueling speculation that former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire may serve as an alternative “Plan B” for Doha. Analysts believe Qatar’s long-term goal may be to integrate Al-Shabaab into the political system, a move that could be seen as capitulation if pursued amid electoral fraud and political unrest. Farmaajo’s Doha trip underscores the interplay between external influence and internal instability, raising concerns that Somalia’s governance may be increasingly determined by foreign agendas rather than domestic consensus.