Sunday 1, June 2025 {HMC} Somalia’s federal cabinet has reappointed Mahad Mohamed Salad as the director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), replacing Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, known as Sanbaloolshe. The decision, made during an emergency session on Saturday, follows a recommendation from the Ministry of Internal Security.
Sanbaloolshe, who had been serving as NISA director since April 2024, was in his third term leading the agency, having previously held the position in both 2014 and 2017. In recent weeks, whispers of a potential shakeup had begun circulating in political and security circles, fueled by reports of strained relations between Sanbaloolshe and senior figures in Villa Somalia. Sources close to the presidency indicated that growing tensions over operational direction, leadership style, and internal disagreements ultimately prompted the decision to replace him.
Mahad Salad previously led NISA from August 2022 until April 2024, when he resigned to pursue a bid for the presidency of Galmudug state. His return to the helm of NISA comes at a critical time for Somalia’s national security, as the government intensifies its counterinsurgency campaign against the al-Shabab militant group and seeks to improve intelligence coordination across agencies.
A veteran politician and intelligence official, Mahad previously served in the same post, where he led a sweeping internal overhaul of the agency. He played a key role in the development and passage of the National Intelligence and Security Law in 2023. The legislation, which replaced outdated bylaws from the 1970s, aimed to formally regulate the agency’s operations and clarify its mandate after years of ambiguity.
Before leading NISA, Mahad held senior political positions, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2014 and State Minister for Presidential Affairs in 2015. He also served more than ten years as a federal lawmaker representing Dhusamareb in Galmudug before resigning to take on the intelligence leadership post.
Mahad is a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and is known for his hands-on approach to security operations.
The cabinet expressed confidence in Salad’s leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security institutions. Officials also extended their gratitude to outgoing director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali for his service and contributions during his tenure.
Source Hiiraan online
