Jubaland intelligence better than NISA, says Ahmed Madobe

KISMAYO, Somalia - Ahmed Madobe, the leader of Jubaland State, argues that the regional intelligence network is superior to the National Intelligence Security Agency (NISA), adding that it is one of the best within the Horn of Africa.

During the opening of the Jubbaland Intelligence and Security Agency (JISA), Madobe took cognizant of the fact that the facility is technologically equipped, dwarfing the national intelligence team, which had previously been linked to divisions in Somalia.

“When it comes to security information in the Horn of Africa, the agency everyone turns to today is Jubaland’s Intelligence and Security Agency,” Madobe said. “I am confident that even Somalia’s federal government comes after us.”

JISA, he said, was a result of massive investment and institutional development, which started 12 years ago. Within the new headquarters, a modern surveillance and communications system has been installed for prompt responses.

Madobe added that the agency’s personnel have received specialised training to conduct intelligence operations and counterterrorism activities targeting Al-Shabaab and other regional threats.

His statement comes a few weeks after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Kismayo in a trip believed to have been brokered by Kenya. Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji was reportedly the figure behind reconciliation.

However, Madobe and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are yet to strike a deal following their strained relationship, but talks are going on with the supervision of Kenya. The federal government is trying to wrestle the strategic Gedo region from Jubaland.

Lawmakers from Jubaland had recently warned Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against “political interference” in regional affairs, accusing the federal government of undermining the country’s federal system.

Kenya is closely working with Jubaland in the fight against Al-Shabaab, and its intervention is prompted by the possibility of Al-Shabaab using the Gedo conflict to stem dominance. The Jubaland leadership and security forces work closely with the Kenya Defence Forces.

GAROWE ONLINE