MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday personally oversaw the handover of responsibilities between the outgoing and incoming directors of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) — a role traditionally managed by the Minister of Security or the Prime Minister.
During the ceremony, Mahad Salad was officially sworn in as the new director general of NISA, taking over from Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe.
The President’s direct involvement is seen as an effort to ease tensions following Sanbalolshe’s dismissal, which had sparked controversy after the outgoing spy chief questioned the reasons behind his removal. Sanbalolshe’s concerns centered around the potential damage to his political reputation, as his dismissal suggested possible failure in office.
Sanbalolshe was dismissed weeks after the decision first emerged from Villa Somalia. President Mohamud reinstated Mahad Salad, who had been dismissed earlier in 2024, partly due to Salad’s strong clan influence in Mogadishu.
This move is interpreted as an attempt to strengthen the President’s position in the capital by curbing opposition political maneuvers and preventing potential military mobilization by opposition forces — especially in the lead-up to elections, which are due before the President’s term ends in less than a year.
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