Somalia’s former intelligence chief, Fahad Yasin, has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of steering the country towards a dangerous political and security crisis similar to the war tearing Sudan apart, warning that continued divisions could leave Somalia with rival presidents, competing governments and opposing armed forces.
In a statement published on his personal Facebook page, Fahad, who previously headed Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), claimed that the president’s approach to the country’s political dispute risked undermining national unity and weakening state institutions.
His warning comes amid escalating disagreements between the federal government and opposition politicians over the electoral process, the timetable for upcoming elections and the future leadership of the country.
Fahad argued that Somalia could face a situation in which rival political factions establish competing centres of power, each claiming authority over the country and relying on its own security forces.
He drew a comparison with Sudan, where a bitter struggle between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has plunged the country into a devastating war.
“Hassan Sheikh wants to push the nation over a cliff and take Somalia down the path of Al-Burhan and Hemedti: two presidents, two governments and two armies,” Fahad said.
The former intelligence chief’s remarks amount to a warning about the possible consequences of Somalia’s unresolved political disputes. However, his statement does not establish that the country is already heading towards the same military confrontation witnessed in Sudan.
Why Fahad Is Comparing Somalia to Sudan
The comparison centres on the danger of political disagreements escalating into a struggle between competing authorities and security structures.
Fahad invoked the two leaders to illustrate what he fears could happen if Somalia’s political camps become so divided that they no longer recognise a common governing arrangement.
His warning raises concerns about the consequences of a breakdown in political negotiations, particularly if disagreements over elections begin to affect cooperation between government institutions and security forces.
Nevertheless, the Sudan comparison reflects Fahad’s assessment of the risks facing Somalia. The statement does not provide evidence that rival national armies or competing federal governments have already emerged.
Fahad also accused President Hassan Sheikh of pursuing a course that could endanger Somalia’s statehood and deepen divisions among its people.
He further alleged that an unnamed foreign government had encouraged the president to remain in office rather than relinquish power, claiming that such influence could worsen the country’s political divisions.
“A foreign government convinced him not to leave the seat, with the intention of further dividing Somalis. God willing, that ambition will not succeed,” Fahad said.
The former intelligence chief did not identify the foreign government in the statement, and the report did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the allegation.
His remarks nevertheless reflect the depth of mistrust between sections of Somalia’s opposition and the federal leadership over the direction of the country’s political transition.
Election Dispute Deepens Political Divisions
Fahad’s warning comes as Somalia faces an increasingly contentious debate over how its next elections should be conducted.
The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission recently announced a timetable for parliamentary and presidential elections, but opposition politicians have rejected the proposed arrangements.
The dispute centres on the electoral process and the political framework under which the country’s leadership will be chosen. Disagreements over the process have complicated efforts to secure a broadly accepted path forward.