Former Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Fahad Yasin, has openly criticized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for what he describes as their harmful interference in Somali affairs. In an interview with Risala TV, he urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to take decisive action against the UAE’s influence in the country.
Fahad expressed his bewilderment at the extent of the UAE’s involvement, questioning why President Hassan Sheikh appears indifferent to their meddling.
“During Farmajo’s presidency, we were told that we approached them the wrong way and that we were supposed to engage with the UAE. But now, they have returned, and I fail to understand their true intentions for Somalia,” he stated.
He accused the UAE of playing both sides—collaborating with President Hassan Sheikh while simultaneously working against him. Fahad likened their tactics to those used by the former Tigray rulers of Ethiopia, who allegedly manipulated Somali politics for their own interests.
“The UAE has aligned itself with key Somali political figures, including Ahmed Madobe, Abdirahman Cirro, and Said Deni, yet Hassan Sheikh seems unbothered. This raises the question—does he benefit from this, or does he know something we don’t?” Fahad questioned.
He went on to claim that the UAE is the primary force undermining Hassan Sheikh’s administration, pointing to its close ties with Somali political rivals like Ahmed Madobe.
“The reason I question their true agenda is that all roads lead to the UAE. Whether it’s Ahmed Madobe, Said Deni, or Abdirahman Cirro, they all have a direct line to Abu Dhabi and none of them is in good terms with the other,” he said.
Fahad also challenged the UAE to be transparent about its objectives, arguing that Somalia now has the strength to assert its sovereignty. He warned President Hassan Sheikh, saying, “These people don’t truly support you. They didn’t back you in your first term, and now that you’ve resolved the Farmajo-era conflicts, they’re pretending to be your allies. I don’t understand why you tolerate this.”
Concluding his remarks, Fahad speculated on the UAE’s long-term plans: “If their goal is to divide and create chaos in Somalia, they are well on their way. If they have another agenda, I don’t know what it is—but I find it impossible to comprehend.”
