NISA linked to elections interference in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA] has yet again been dragged to the elections debacle in Somalia just weeks after the international partners cautioned security agents in the country from meddling in electoral affairs within the Horn of Africa nation.

For several months now, security forces and intelligence officers have been linked to the interference of elections forcing members of the opposition to raise concerns over the transparency of the exercise which is solely funded by the international community.

Last week, Jubaland MPs and officials in Kismayo, including VP Mohamed Sayid Aden hailing from Gedo said the election for 16 Lower House seats can not take place in Garbaharey, citing challenges, including NISA forces who are not under the state control deployed to the town.

Before the town was settled as a center, Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe had raised concerns over the security of the Gedo region. This comes as the Federal States are rushing to conclude elections of Lower House election before the February 25 deadline.

The Jubaland MPs and officials hailing from the Gedo region have suggested moving the election to another polling station within Jubaland, whereby any candidate can contest in a free and fair vote with no NISA influence.

NISA's ex-director Fahad Yasin was accused of favoring candidates who are allied to Villa Somalia to become MPs elected from Garbaharey town as Farmaajo is seeking re-election, facing stiff competition from heavyweight candidates, including his predecessors Hassan Sheikh and Sheikh Sharif.

Yasin, who is currently serving as Farmaajo's security advisor after being booted out of NISA last year by Somali PM Mohamed Hussein Roble over Ikran Tahlil's murder is said to have a long list of soy agents in his hands to make them MPs.

The latest accusations just come a few days after Somali National Army Infantry commander General Tahlil Bihi was accused of meddling in elections within Hirshabelle and Southwest. The commander visited Barawe town where elections for 13 seats were held last week.

Also on Sunday, First Deputy Lower House Speaker Abdiweli Mudey was denied boarding a plane from Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport on his way to Barawe by NISA officers acting under Fahad Yasin's order, a source said.

Mudey seeks to run for reelection from his Southwest constituency. The incident could further raise concerns about the credibility of the elections which the United States has already out on the radar following complaints from the opposition.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department warned politicians interfering with the exercise, noting that it will be forced to restrict the issuance of visas to individuals linked to the stalemate. The US wants the exercise to be concluded expeditiously.

GAROWE ONLINE