Fahad Yasin Haji Dahir, the former Director-General of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), has officially severed his political ties with former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, commonly known as Farmaajo. In a statement released on September 1, 2024, Yasin announced his decision to distance himself from any future political activities associated with Farmaajo.
Fahad Yasin, once regarded as the most influential figure behind Farmaajo’s administration, was often viewed as the de facto power broker in Somalia, especially during Farmaajo’s presidency from 2017 to 2021.
His influence within Farmaajo’s administration began early, with his appointment as Chief of Staff at Villa Somalia shortly after their 2017 election victory. His rise continued as he took over the helm of NISA. He saw the agency transformed into a potent instrument of political and security power, heavily influenced by financial and logistical support from Qatar. Under Yasin’s leadership, NISA established elite paramilitary units like the Turkish-trained Gorgor and Haram’ad forces, which became central to Farmaajo’s control over security operations and political affairs.
However, Yasin’s tenure was marred by numerous controversies. Among the most notable was the clandestine recruitment and deployment of thousands of Somali youths to Eritrea under the guise of training programs, only for many to be allegedly sent to fight in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict.
The secret operation sparked a major scandal back home, with families of the missing recruits demanding accountability from the government. Additionally, Yasin was at the center of disputes between Farmaajo and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, particularly regarding the investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of NISA officer Ikran Tahlil Farah, a case that remains unresolved and continues to haunt the agency’s reputation.
Yasin’s departure from Farmaajo’s political circle is seen by many analysts as a potential blow to the former president’s ambitions of regaining power.
In his statement, Yasin refrained from detailing the reasons for his departure. However, political observers suggest that mounting pressures and internal rifts within Farmaajo’s camp may have contributed to his decision.
Yasin’s statement hints at ongoing discussions with his political allies about his next steps, though it remains unclear whether he will seek to carve out a new political path or step back from the public eye.
