Somalia: Beaten to submission? Farmaajo meets new NISA boss

Farmaajo has clashed with PM Roble after the sacking of Fahad Yasin as NISA head due to Ikran's death [File Photo]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Despite open support to former National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] boss Fahad Yasin, outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo reportedly met the newly-appointed spy chief, in what signifies a possible change of strategy.

A source confirmed to Garowe Online that Farmaajo met Lieutenant General Bashir Mohamed Jamah alias Goobe, who was elevated to the Directorate post in NISA by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, whose announcement was met with resistance.

The two held a closed-door meeting at the presidential palace, but Villa Somalia is yet to issue any communique with regard to the latest development. Details of their meeting remain scanty but it came hours after Farmaajo had backed Fahad Yasin, who was suspended by Roble.

Some analysts say the decision by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo to meet Lt. General Bashir Mohamed Jamah is a clear indication that he is not ready to fight politically against the removal of Fahad Yasin, who was unpopular among the opposition.

Neither the presidential team nor the office of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble confirmed the meeting. However, the source maintains that the two parties met and discussed a host of issues, including but not limited to security development in the country.

Earlier, Farmaajo had strongly defended Fahad Yasin, arguing that PM Mohamed Roble did not have the capacity to dismiss the former NISA boss. The president maintained that Yasin had acted within the laws.

"The decision of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hon. Mohamed Hussein Roble is illegal and unconstitutional," read part of Farmaajo statement, which signified fallout within the executive.

"The Commander of the National Security and Intelligence Agency, Mr. Fahad Yassin Haji Dahir, is instructed to remain serving as the leader of the National Security and Intelligence Agency, in accordance with the Constitution and the Presidential Decree."

Yasin was dismissed by the PM after he defiantly asked the President to convene the National Security Council meeting, where he was to table a report on the missing NISA officer Ikran Tahlil, who was later confirmed dead. The PM had given Yasin 48 hours to explain the circumstances behind the death.

Last week, Yasin confirmed the death of Ikran Tahlil, blaming Al-Shabaab militants in the process. But in a sharp rejoinder, the Al-Shabaab denied involvement, accusing the state of "shifting unnecessary blame to us when you should take responsibility".

Ikran Tahlil's family has also dismissed the version given by the government. There were reports that she had a lot of information about soldiers secretly sneaked into Eritrea for training, whose plight caused anxiety and tensions in Somalia.

If the meeting is confirmed, then Farmaajo may have as well given up in the fight against the PM and instead, shifted his focus to upcoming polls. Several politicians had initially called for a total overhaul in NISA.

GAROWE ONLINE