Former Foreign Minister Abdirizak throws in the towel in the presidential race

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Somali Federal Government has announced his resignation from the presidential race, four days to the polls.

In a statement released on his campaign website last night, Abdirizak said it was no longer feasible for his campaigns to move forward due to the huge resources required to seek political office.

“Though it is difficult to accept, it is clear to me now that this campaign does not have the means to move forward successfully. I cannot run for the highest office in the land, where the hopes and aspirations of the Somali people are invested, without integrity,” read part of the statement.

“Accepting campaign funds that go against the long-term interest of the Somali people would betray all that I hold dear but, even more importantly, the mothers, fathers, and inspiring youth whose interest I have expressed throughout my campaign. Acknowledging this now is in the best interests of the Somali people, those who have worked so hard in the campaign, and it is in the best interests of the country,” added the former Finance Minister.

Abdirizak, who was among the contestants for the 2017 Somali presidential election said his campaign was focused on speaking directly to the Somali people but the indirect nature of the Somali presidential election was against his campaign ambitions.

The former Finance Minister recently declined to participate in the presidential debate scheduled for May 5-7, saying that the debate sought to divide candidates based on their previous tenures, instead of bringing out the vision each candidate has to offer for the country.