Somalia: Bashir Goobe tightens his grip on power amid fight for NISA control

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Lieutenant General Bashir Mohamed Jama alias Goobe has taken full control of the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA], signifying a truce between outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble.

The two leaders have been at loggerheads over the control of NISA after the PM fired Fahad Yasin, a close ally of President Farmaajo. The president went on to elevate Yasin as his National Security Advisor within Villa Somalia, leading to more confusion.

But the confusion persisted after Farmaajo brought on board Yasin Farey to head NISA, even after Roble had picked Goobe for the same post. Abdullahi was the head of the Benadir region's intelligence team.

However, it now seems that Lieutenant General Bashir Mohamed Jamah alias Goobe has taken control of NISA, an indication that the standoff between Farmaajo and PM Roble has been mitigated, following a series of meetings early this week.

Early this week, regional presidents of Galmadug and Southwest spearheaded reconciliation missions in Villa Somalia, but nothing much was achieved. The UN and other stakeholders have also been asking the two parties to bury their differences.

Sources told Garowe Online the interim NISA Director Gen. Bashir Goobe is now fully in charge of the spy agency’s finances completing the takeover and cementing his position in the NISA power struggle. He was head of the custodian corps.

This follows an understanding between PM Roble and Finance Minister Abdirahman Beile on NISA payments. Goobe has also started filling certain positions within NISA, a further indication that he has taken over the agency.

On Wednesday, the Director-General of National Intelligence and Security Agency, Ge. Bashir Gobe appointed Maj. Muhayadin Mohamed Warbac as the new Benadir Regional NISA commander. It's not clear what will happen to Yasin Abdullahi, who used to head the region.

The entire confusion was triggered by the death of Ikran Tahlil, a junior employee within NISA. Former NISA boss Fahad Yasin refused to respect directives given by Roble on investigations. The crisis between Roble and Farmaajo has continued to attract international partners' attention.

"Worried about recent tensions in Somalia. Just off the phone with PM Roble . As a close friend and partner to Somalia, Sweden urges the parties to hold on to dialogue and settle on a way forward. Focus on advancing the elections must be maintained. Sweden ready to support," said Per Olsson Fridh, Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister.

GAROWE ONLINE