Fahad Yasin, former head of NISA, criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, raising suspicions about his intentions to regain political control. His past involvement in Somalia’s instability and current strategic moves to influence upcoming elections indicate a deeper ambition. Analysts posit he is attempting to reshape his public persona amid ongoing concerns about foreign funding and clan politics in Somalia.
Fahad Yasin, the former Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), has made headlines with a contentious interview criticizing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His comments prompt a vital question regarding his motives: Is he authentically concerned about Somalia’s future, or is he vying to recover his lost political clout?
In his statements, Fahad claimed President Hassan Sheikh is the first Somali leader to engage in conflict against his own hometown for the purpose of government overthrow. He cautioned that failing to transfer power peacefully could lead to dire consequences similar to those suffered by others. However, these critiques appear more as veiled threats, indicative of Yasin’s ongoing political strategies.
Fahad Yasin’s role in fostering political instability during his tenure must be acknowledged. As an adviser to former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, he actively advanced governmental consolidation efforts that often marginalized federal member states and opposition voices. His recent remarks may signify a calculated endeavor to restore his political stature, potentially by financing key political figures.
Political analysts suggest that Yasin’s interview represents a strategic attempt to rehabilitate his image. Once a dominant force in Farmaajo’s administration, his authoritative reign was pivotal to the ensuing chaos that led to Farmaajo’s exit. His recent activities, including the religiously themed translation of a book on the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), indicate an effort to reshape perceptions, albeit appearing contrived given his past affiliations with the Itahad Islamic organization.
Yasin’s relationship with foreign financial support, particularly from Qatar, has been instrumental in his political ascent. His advocacy for Qatari funding during Farmaajo’s campaigns secured his influential status within the former administration, while his sidelined position during Hassan Sheikh’s initial presidency (2012-2017) illustrates this dynamic.
Currently, there are indications that Yasin is positioning himself to exert influence once more. Meetings with former Somali leaders suggest he may be in the process of establishing political alliances ahead of forthcoming elections, raising concerns that he may attempt to control a candidate akin to his previous success with Farmaajo.
Yasin’s political credibility derives not from traditional clan affiliations, as he belongs to Beesha Shanaad (the fifth clan) within Somalia’s clan power-sharing arrangement. Instead, his authority emanates from foreign alliances and intelligence networks, facilitated by substantial Qatari support that enabled him to shape the domestic political fabric.
Looking ahead, it is evident that Fahad Yasin is unwilling to withdraw from Somali political affairs. His recent undertakings imply ambitions potentially targeting the prime ministerial position, alongside continual efforts to extend influence through carefully selected candidates.
His past actions during Farmaajo’s administration—including manipulation of state functions and targeted repression of dissent—intensified fractures within Somalia’s political landscape and diminished institutional trust. His recent maneuverings suggest he is carefully orchestrating a path back into power.
The pivotal question remains whether Somalia will succumb to the machinations of figures like Fahad Yasin once more, or whether it can sever ties with these shadowy power brokers. Regardless, Yasin’s ongoing activities confirm he remains a significant player in the political arena.
The editorial reflects on Fahad Yasin’s controversial actions and statements following his tenure at NISA. It posits that despite previous political tribulations, Yasin is strategically attempting to reclaim his influence, possibly maneuvering toward a future electoral role. The article cautions against the risk of reverting to political dominance by figures like Yasin, underscoring the necessity for Somalia to resist returning to patterns shaped by secretive power brokers.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
