Mogadishu is facing renewed security concerns following a series of explosions and attacks, as reports of growing political differences between Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and NISA Director Mahad Mohamed Salad.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that plans may be underway to remove Mahad Salad from his position, although no official announcement has been made.
Sources familiar with the matter have previously claimed that the two officials have disagreed over political developments in Galmudug, particularly over the future leadership of the regional administration.
The reported rift has gained renewed attention because Mahad Salad’s name remains closely linked to both the Galmudug leadership dispute and the wider debate over NISA and security in Mogadishu.
Reports published in May 2026 claimed that Hassan Sheikh and Mahad Salad had differences over the political situation in Galmudug.
According to those reports, Villa Somalia was supporting Liibaan Ahmed Hassan, also known as Liibaan Shuluq, for a leadership role in Galmudug, while Mahad Salad reportedly held a different position.
Other reports suggested that Mahad Salad favored resolving the Galmudug dispute through political dialogue rather than using military pressure or state power to influence the regional leadership.
He was also reportedly seeking a dialogue-based approach involving former Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie Qoorqoor and other political stakeholders.
The reports of a possible change at NISA have also brought former intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalashe into focus. His name has reportedly been mentioned as a possible replacement for Mahad Salad.
Hassan Sheikh appointed Mahad Salad as NISA director after returning to the presidency in 2022.
During his tenure, the agency has played a major role in intelligence operations against Al-Shabaab, including efforts to track the group’s networks and support counterterrorism operations.
The reported disagreement between the president and the intelligence chief therefore carries wider implications, particularly at a time when Mogadishu is facing renewed security threats.
The two officials have previously held closed-door meetings to discuss political and security issues. A report published in May 2026 said that Galmudug affairs were among the issues discussed during one such meeting at Villa Somalia.
The reported developments may extend beyond NISA. Sources claim that the government is considering changes involving other senior security positions in Mogadishu, as well as possible appointments within the immigration authorities.
There are also reports of potential changes at the Ministry of Defense and other key security institutions.
The Ministry of Internal Security has meanwhile continued efforts to review its performance and strengthen security operations, according to government updates issued in August.
Mahad Salad is therefore reportedly facing possible removal, while Sanbalashe is being linked to a potential return to the leadership of NISA. Neither a dismissal nor Sanbalashe’s appointment has been officially confirmed.
The timing of the reported changes is significant. Renewed attacks and explosions in Mogadishu are raising questions over the capital’s security, while political disagreements within the government’s security leadership could further complicate efforts to respond to emerging threats.
If confirmed, changes at NISA and other security institutions could represent more than routine administrative reshuffling.
They could signal a broader political and security realignment within the Hassan Sheikh administration, particularly over the government’s approach to Galmudug, opposition politics and the management of Somalia’s security institutions.