Attempt to Remove Somalia’s Intelligence Chief Fails

Mogadishu (GO) – Garowe Online has learned that a political dispute has gripped the offices of the President and Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, centered around an attempt to remove the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbalooshe).

Sources reveal that a political faction led by former NISA Chief Mahad Mohamed Salad was behind efforts to oust Sanbalooshe. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, reportedly a close ally of Mahad Salad, was said to have been involved in the plan.

However, credible sources indicate that the Prime Minister denied any involvement in the scheme during a closed-door meeting he held with the intelligence chief.

Sanbalooshe, who was appointed as the head of NISA in April 2024, has been credited with bringing political and security stability to the agency, particularly across southern and central regions of Somalia.

Former NISA officials told Garowe Online that Sanbalooshe had initiated wide-ranging reforms within the agency’s structure.

“He made significant changes to the agency’s system and worked to eliminate political interference within NISA and its influence over other security institutions,” said a former official who requested anonymity.

Meanwhile, Mahad Salad, who was dismissed from his position earlier in 2024, was accused of maintaining ties with foreign intelligence agencies. This reportedly prompted some of Somalia’s international security partners to pressure Villa Somalia to remove him.

Additionally, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during a meeting with Sanbalooshe, is said to have denied any involvement in the failed attempt to remove the intelligence chief.

During his tenure as NISA chief, Mahad Salad also faced accusations of mismanaging military operations intended to dislodge Al-Shabaab militants from areas under the Hirshabelle and Galmudug administrations.

This political standoff comes as the Federal Government of Somalia is battling renewed Al-Shabaab offensives in parts of the Middle Shabelle region and other areas in southern Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE