Fahad Yasin’s Political Machinations: A Renewed Conspiracy to Undermine Somalia’s Stability

EDITORIAL| Former Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Fahad Yasin, recently gave a controversial interview in which he criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and painted a grim picture of Somalia’s political future. His remarks, however, raise a critical question: Is Fahad Yasin genuinely concerned about the state of the nation, or is he merely attempting to revive his lost political influence?

Fahad accused President Hassan Sheikh of being the first Somali leader to wage war in his own hometown to overthrow a sitting government. He further warned that if Hassan Sheikh fails to peacefully hand over power at the end of his term, he may face the same fate he inflicted upon others. But coming from Fahad, these remarks appear less like a critique and more like a thinly veiled threat—a reflection of his persistent political maneuvers, as he has twice succeeded in finding a candidate and controlling the government from the shadows.

Yet, one must ask: Was Fahad Yasin himself not one of the chief architects of the political instability that plagued Somalia during his tenure? As the right-hand man of former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, Fahad played a central role in consolidating power within the federal government, often at the expense of federal member states and opposition figures. His latest remarks should not be viewed in isolation but rather as part of a broader strategy to reclaim political influence—one that involves financing political figures to maintain control.

Rebuilding a Tarnished Reputation

For many political analysts, Fahad Yasin’s interview was a calculated move to rehabilitate his public image. Once the most powerful man in Farmaajo’s administration, his unchecked authority contributed to the political turmoil that led to Farmaajo’s downfall.

Now, in what appears to be an effort to reinvent himself, Fahad has turned to religious discourse, recently translating and presenting a book on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Nairobi. However, this religious shift appears more strategic than genuine, as he was previously a member of the Itahad Islamic organization. His interview, filled with criticisms of certain Gulf states and Somalia’s leadership, suggests he is still deeply invested in the country’s political future.

The Gulf Connection: Money, Power, and Influence

Fahad Yasin’s career has long been intertwined with foreign financial backing, particularly from Qatar. It is well-documented that he played a crucial role in securing Qatari funds to bolster Farmaajo’s campaigns, cementing his influence within the former administration.

During Hassan Sheikh’s first presidency (2012–2017), Fahad remained on the political sidelines after facilitating Qatari funding, unable to exert significant influence. However, under Farmaajo, he emerged as the most powerful figure in government, overseeing security operations and political strategies.

Now, reports indicate that Fahad is once again positioning himself as a political kingmaker. In recent days, he met with a former Somali prime minister in Nairobi, likely to forge alliances for the upcoming elections. This raises another pressing question: Is Fahad grooming a candidate he can control, just as he did with Farmaajo, in hopes of reclaiming influence over the government?

Clan Politics and Fahad Yasin’s Position

Fahad Yasin hails from Beesha Shanaad (the fifth clan) under Somalia’s 4.5 clan power-sharing system. Unlike traditional political elites who rely on clan-based support, he built his influence through foreign sponsorship and intelligence networks. His access to Qatari financial backing allowed him to manipulate the war-torn country’s political landscape, influencing leadership decisions and controlling key government institutions.

What Comes Next?

As speculation swirls around his next move, one thing is certain: Fahad Yasin is not ready to retire from Somali politics. His interview hints at ambitions beyond being a behind-the-scenes strategist. Some believe he is laying the groundwork for a future bid to become prime minister, while others see him as merely seeking a candidate through whom he can extend his influence.

During Farmaajo’s presidency, Fahad was accused of manipulating state institutions, directing intelligence operations for political gains, and orchestrating targeted crackdowns against opposition figures. His actions deepened Somalia’s political divisions and eroded trust in state institutions.

Now, after years of wielding immense power, Fahad finds himself in unfamiliar territory—on the outside looking in. His recent moves suggest he is carefully plotting his return. But the fundamental question remains: Will Somalia allow itself to be drawn back into Fahad’s political calculations, or will the country finally break free from the grip of power brokers operating from the shadows?

Regardless of the answer, one thing is undeniable—Fahad Yasin is not done yet.

This article is an editorial analysis published by Garowe Online. The views expressed herein reflect the editorial perspective of Garowe Online and are based on available information, expert commentary, and political analysis. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Garowe Online does not take responsibility for the personal views of the writer or external sources referenced.