Somalia’s president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Monday has opposed the suspension of the chief of the country’s intelligence agency, Fahad Yasin prompting constitutional crisis on the fate of NISA boss Fahad Yasin.
In a statement by Villa Somalia, president Farmaajo citing number of articles in the constitution, dismissed the directive by prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, a move that could widen the difference between the two top leaders of the federal government. Farmaajo directed Yasin to remain in office.
“The commander of the security agency and the national intelligence officer Mr. Fahad Yaasin Haji Daahir will continue leading the peace and intelligence of the nation, according to the constitution and the circular of the president,” a statement from Villa Somalia read in part.
Earlier, Prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble had suspended Yasin and directed Bashir Mohamed Gobe to assume the office as an acting.
The suspension of Fahad came hours after the prime minister met the family of the late Ikran Tahlil Farah who worked with NISA as a cybersecurity expert until her abduction in June this year.
Ms. Tahlil was abducted June 26 near her home in Mogadishu’s Abdulaziz district, which is close to the agency’s headquarters.
Her disappearance raised a storm with her family constantly asking the government to explain her disappearance or produce her. Politicians also picked up the issue and made it a campaign subject.
News of her disappearance circulated widely on mainstream and social media.
