Mahad Salad Reappointed as NISA Chief Amid Mounting Political Tensions in Somalia

Mogadishu – The Federal Government of Somalia has officially reappointed Mahad Mohamed Salad as the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), following a proposal by the Ministry of Internal Security and approval by the Council of Ministers in an emergency session held earlier today.

The decision comes after Garowe Online previously reported on Villa Somalia’s internal plans to replace Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbalolshe) with Mahad Salad. The move marks a return to the agency’s top post for Salad — a close political ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and a figure known for maintaining close ties with the government of Egypt.

Sanbalolshe, who hails from the Hiiraan region, was removed from his post at a time when the region is witnessing intense fighting between local Macawisley militias and Al-Shabaab insurgents.

The reappointment also coincides with growing political tensions. Just days ago, Somalia’s opposition leaders issued a strongly worded statement rejecting President Hassan Sheikh’s proposed electoral plans. They accused the president of plotting a term extension, as his constitutional mandate now has less than a year remaining.

Analysts view the shake-up at NISA as part of a broader effort by Villa Somalia to consolidate control over key security institutions ahead of a potentially contentious election cycle. The development reflects both internal power realignments and heightened anxiety over the country’s political direction.

GAROWE ONLINE