Macalin Yuusuf previously served as an assistant to NISA Director Mahad Mohamed Salad and is now said to be overseeing sensitive agency operations following an escalating internal dispute inside Villa Somalia.

Internal Rift Linked to Galmudug Politics

Sources familiar with the situation claim the disagreement between President Hassan Sheikh and NISA Director Mahad Salad is connected to political competition surrounding the upcoming leadership contest in Galmudug state.

The dispute reportedly centers on rival political strategies and influence over the Galmudug presidential election, which has become one of the most politically sensitive battles in Somalia.

Travel Restrictions Imposed

According to the same sources, Villa Somalia has instructed NISA and other Somali security agencies to restrict travel and flights carrying politicians and political figures heading toward Galmudug.

The move is viewed by opposition figures as an attempt to limit political mobilization and influence the outcome of the regional election.

Support for Liban "Shuluq”

Sources further allege that the president is actively backing political candidate Liban Mohamed, commonly known as "Shuluq,” in the upcoming Galmudug presidential race.

The developments have intensified political tensions across Somalia as rival factions continue mobilizing support ahead of the election.

Political analysts warn that growing divisions inside Somalia’s intelligence and security institutions could further destabilize the country during an already fragile political period marked by disputes over elections, constitutional legitimacy, and regional power struggles.