Somalia reinstates Mahad Salad as intelligence chief amid leadership shake-up at NISA
Over the past few weeks, speculation about a change in the intelligence leadership had intensified, largely due to emerging reports of internal friction between Sanbaloolshe and key figures at Villa Somalia
Acting on recommendations from the Ministry of Internal Security, Somalia’s federal cabinet has reinstated Mahad Mohamed Salad as head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), replacing outgoing director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbaloolshe) in a decision announced during an emergency cabinet session on Saturday.
Sanbaloolshe, who took over leadership of the agency in April 2024, was serving his third term as NISA director, having previously occupied the role in 2014 and 2017.
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Over the past few weeks, speculation about a change in the intelligence leadership had intensified, largely due to emerging reports of internal friction between Sanbaloolshe and key figures at Villa Somalia. Insider sources suggested that disagreements over strategy, leadership dynamics, and agency direction were central to the decision to replace him.
Mahad returns to the top intelligence role after stepping down in April 2024 to campaign for the presidency of the Galmudug state. His reinstatement comes during a critical period for Somalia’s security forces, as the federal government escalates operations against the extremist group Al-Shabab and works to enhance inter-agency coordination in intelligence matters.
Mahad, a seasoned intelligence expert and long-serving political figure, previously led a major restructuring within NISA during his earlier tenure from August 2022 to April 2024.
His leadership was instrumental in drafting and securing the passage of the National Intelligence and Security Law in 2023, a landmark reform that modernised Somalia’s intelligence framework by replacing decades-old legislation and providing legal clarity around NISA’s functions and jurisdiction.
Before entering intelligence leadership, Mahad held multiple high-level political roles, including serving as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2014 and as State Minister for Presidential Affairs in 2015. He also represented Dhusamareb in the federal parliament for over a decade, stepping down to take up the NISA post.
Known for his direct and pragmatic leadership style, Mahad is a close confidant of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and is recognised for his proactive involvement in national security efforts.
Following the reshuffle, the cabinet expressed strong support for Salad’s leadership and emphasised its ongoing commitment to bolstering Somalia’s security institutions. They also acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of Sanbaloolshe during his most recent term.
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