Liban Ahmed Hassan, widely known by his nickname “Liibaan Shuluq,” is a kingpin businessman, faction leader and former militia commander currently running for Galmudug presidential candidate, a contested state in central Somalia.
Born within the Sa’ad sub-clan of the larger Habar Gidir clan family, Hassan hails from the contested south Mudug region, particularly the southern Galkayo area, a strategic hub straddling the border between Galmudug and the semi-autonomous Puntland state.
His nickname “Shuluq,” was given by resident neighbours who say describes his physical stature.
Militia Roots and Early Conflict Involvement
Shuluq first gained fame as a militia faction chief in southern Galkayo, commanding fighting groups that participated in clan clashes throughout the region.
Shuluq militiamen were involved in significant fighting in October 2016, when clashes erupted between Puntland security forces and Galmudug militia fighters backed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The violence internal displaced tens of thousands of Galmudug residents, according to United Nations reports from the period.
Shuluq have also been associated with activities in the former Himan and Heeb administrative area (Ximin iyo Xeeb) in central and southern Somalia.
Transition to Business and Political Networks
Shuluq subsequently transitioned from militia kingpin into commercial ventures, building a portfolio that intersects security contracting, logistics and trade.
He secured appointments overseeing military logistics for Galmudug forces, managing supply chains that delivered fuel, food, ammunition and other provisions to troops engaged in operations against Al-Shabaab militants. Insiders familiar with the contracts describe them as highly lucrative arrangements generating millions of dollars in revenue.
In 2021, Shuluq joined the Federal Electoral Implementation Team, a body tasked with overseeing Somalia’s electoral processes, with backing from figures including then-Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble.
He has also been involved in negotiations concerning the khat (miraa) trade, including post-ban importation arrangements between Somalia and Kenya, a sector that has produced substantial revenues for involved commercial networks.
Controversies and Scrutiny
Shuluq’s career has attracted common in Somalia’s clan- and resource-driven political environment.
In October 2017, authorities arrested him in Adado, reportedly seizing approximately $500,000 in cash. Official charges remained unclear, and he was released following appeals from federal lawmakers.
Political opponents and some local reports, have alleged his involvement in arms trafficking, profiteering from conflict economies and monopolistic trade practices. Federal officials linked him to piracy-related networks or shadow economy activities in central Somalia.
Current Political Since 2023
Shuluq has emerged as a leading candidate for Galmudug’s presidency, with strong backing from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the ruling Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), which has endorsed him as its sole candidate for elections expected around mid-2026.
This support has generated tensions, including reported rifts with National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) director Mahad Salad, who had reportedly eyed the position.
Shuluq operates at the intersection of dark business, khat, and politics.
(Reporting by [Jibril Qobey]; Analyzed by [Biyoonde])