MOGADISHU – Somalia’s internal political rifts have once again come to light after former NISA chief Fahad Yasin resurfaced with a provocative statement on X (formerly Twitter), accusing senior Somali officials of undermining the Somali National Army (SNA) to serve foreign and extremist interests.
Without naming them explicitly, Yasin’s post appeared to target former Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, former Intelligence chief Mahad Salad, and ex-Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. He alleged the existence of a conspiracy — backed by a Gulf state — to manipulate the SNA’s operations in a way that benefited foreign agendas and ran parallel to Al-Shabaab’s objectives, though “with different slogans.”
Yasin’s claim, which came just weeks after renewed debates around security sector reforms and Gulf influence in Somali politics, ignited swift backlash — particularly from Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who issued a fiery public statement titled “The Exiled Emir of the Kharijites.”
In his rebuttal, Nur accused Yasin of intentionally embedding extremist networks within state institutions during his tenure at NISA. He said Yasin had weaponized government resources against Somali civilians and facilitated terrorist financing through official channels, all under the guise of national service.
“Fahad Yasin was not just complicit — he was instrumental,” Nur wrote, asserting that Yasin’s influence spanned at least three years, during which state power was used to protect and empower Al-Shabaab-affiliated elements from within.
Nur also dismissed Yasin’s accusations as a smear campaign motivated by extremist ideology and personal vendetta, noting that his own repeated appointments — including four separate ministerial roles — reflect the trust placed in him by Somalia’s leadership.
“The fact that I have been appointed minister for the fourth time is proof of the trust my country places in me,” he stated.
This confrontation is the latest in a long-running rivalry that dates back to the final years of former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s administration, during which Fahad Yasin held extraordinary sway over Somalia’s security apparatus.
His tenure was marred by controversy — from alleged election meddling to the unresolved death of intelligence agent Ikran Tahlil — and his political resurgence now signals renewed tensions ahead of Somalia’s next electoral cycle and ongoing security operations against Al-Shabab as well as sector transitions.
