Mogadishu, Somalia A cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday was abruptly canceled following deep disagreements within the Somali Federal Government regarding the appointment of Mahad Mohamed Salad as the new Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Mahad Salad, a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has been a polarizing figure in Somali politics. His appointment has stirred tensions within the government, with some ministers reportedly walking out of preliminary discussions over concerns surrounding his record and alleged affiliations.

Controversial Allegations Against Mahad Salad

Multiple allegations have surfaced against Mahad Salad in recent months, casting a shadow over his leadership at NISA:

• He is accused of orchestrating intimidation campaigns against prominent Somali institutions, including Salaam Bank and Hormuud Telecom, reportedly after they refused to pay extortion money. These claims, while serious, have not been publicly investigated or verified by independent bodies.

• Mahad is also accused of plotting attacks against high-ranking officials, including Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoor Qoor) and Senator Abdi Qeybdiid. While there is no official confirmation or charges filed, the accusations have added to the political turmoil.

• Security analysts and political insiders claim Mahad Salad has longstanding connections with foreign intelligence services, particularly Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate (GID). Some speculate that his regional allegiances may compromise Somalia’s internal sovereignty.

• He is also rumored to have had indirect links to senior Al-Shabaab figures, a claim that further complicates his role in a national security position. However, paradoxically, during his tenure, Mogadishu experienced a relative reduction in terror attacks, particularly suicide bombings and assassinations, leading some to credit him with achieving temporary stability in the capital.

Political Fallout and Power Struggles

Sources within Villa Somalia say that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is standing firmly behind Mahad Salad’s leadership despite widespread opposition from within his cabinet, the Federal Parliament, and some regional states. Critics allege that President Hassan Sheikh is using the intelligence service as a tool for political survival and control, with ambitions to extend or consolidate power beyond the constitutional timeline — potentially until 2026.

The political divide comes amid ongoing instability, including the delayed implementation of electoral reforms, tensions with federal member states, and a fragile security environment in central and southern Somalia.

Growing Concerns Over Governance and Corruption

President Hassan Sheikh’s second term, which began with promises of reform, reconciliation, and anti-corruption, is now under heavy scrutiny. Opposition groups and civil society organizations have increasingly labeled his administration as one of the most corrupt to lead Somalia since the civil war, citing:

• Lack of transparency in public contracts and foreign aid spending

• Political interference in independent institutions

• The use of security agencies to target journalists, opposition leaders, and businesses

The controversy surrounding NISA’s leadership is seen by many as a symptom of a broader crisis of governance, where security institutions are caught in political crossfire.

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What’s Next?

With the cabinet in disarray and growing dissent among federal member states, it remains unclear whether Mahad Salad will retain his position or face removal in a future parliamentary vote. Somalia’s international partners are also reportedly monitoring the situation closely, concerned about further instability at a time when the country is battling Al-Shabaab insurgency and struggling with a humanitarian crisis.