Mahad Salad Returns as Head of Somalia’s Intelligence Agency

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s federal cabinet has approved the reappointment of Mahad Mohamed Salad as Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), replacing Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe, who had held the role since April 2024.

The decision was made during an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Sunday.

According to an official statement, the move followed a formal recommendation by the Ministry of Internal Security.

Salad, a seasoned politician and intelligence official, previously served in the same role between May 2022 and April 2024.

He has also held key national positions, including minister, Member of Parliament, and intelligence advisor.

The council thanked outgoing NISA Director Sanbalolshe for his service and contributions to the country’s security during his tenure.

The reshuffle comes at a time when Somalia continues to confront complex national security threats, including the fight against Al-Shabaab and the push for broader institutional reform within its security sector.