NISA Chief, Former President Discuss Security Ahead of June 4 Protests

MOGADISHU – The head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mahad Mohamed Salad, met with former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu amid increasing political tensions before opposition protests scheduled for June 4.

Reports indicate the meeting centered on security conditions in the capital and strategies to preserve stability during the upcoming protests organized by opposition groups. NISA Director Mahad Salad recently concluded a landmark visit to the United States where he held high-level talks with CIA and FBI officials aimed at expanding intelligence-sharing and strengthening joint counter-terrorism operations, underscoring his central role in Somalia’s security architecture.

Opposition Plans Weekly Protests

The opposition, led by Sheikh Sharif and other prominent political figures, plans to hold demonstrations to voice concerns regarding the nation’s political trajectory, electoral procedures, and constitutional conflicts. The Somali Salvation Council has announced it will hold weekly protests in Mogadishu starting June 4 to pressure the federal government after talks failed to resolve the dispute over the country’s electoral process. Opposition leaders describe the rallies as peaceful and call on residents of the capital to take part.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has stated that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term expired on May 15 and that any election held without broad political agreement cannot be fully legitimate. The opposition has blamed the federal government for the collapse of electoral talks, with leaders arguing that efforts to reach a deal on election issues have failed.

Security-Focused Dialogue

Insiders familiar with the discussions noted that both parties stressed the necessity of safeguarding civilians and preventing any incidents that could result in violence or security disturbances during the planned events. The meeting reportedly also covered the requirement for any demonstrations to proceed peacefully and within legal boundaries, while ensuring public order is maintained.

Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has warned opposition groups against mobilizing armed militias ahead of the planned demonstrations, saying the federal government would respond forcefully to any attempt to destabilize the country through violence. “We are not attacking the opposition, but if they bring armed militias, we will break their hands,” Fiqi said, while also stating that the government respects peaceful political activity and the constitutional right to protest.

Government Proposes Designated Protest Sites

The federal government has proposed assigning specific locations in Mogadishu for opposition groups to hold demonstrations, according to security sources. The government’s suggestion would allow demonstrators to gather at designated venues rather than at locations chosen by organizers, a move that resembles an earlier proposal in which opposition groups were advised to assemble at Mogadishu’s Konis Stadium.

Analysts and opposition figures view the proposal as an attempt by Villa Somalia to balance competing objectives: signaling support for the right to peaceful assembly while maintaining tight control over security arrangements in the capital. Some opposition leaders who received the proposal have rejected it, arguing that they have the right to determine where to hold their rally.

Constitutional Dispute at Heart of Crisis

The discussions occur as political tensions continue escalating in Somalia, with opposition groups intensifying pressure on the Federal Government regarding elections and constitutional amendments. The federal government has rejected opposition claims that President Mohamud’s term has expired, stating that constitutional amendments approved by parliament extended federal institutions by one year and changed the presidential term from four years to five, making the current mandate run until May 15, 2027. The opposition rejects those amendments, saying they were passed without broad political consensus.

The gathering between NISA Director Mahad Mohamed Salad and former President Sheikh Sharif represents a significant development since it suggests that communication lines between the government and opposition remain open despite mounting political tensions. At a time when opposition factions are rallying supporters for protests, dialogues focused on security and public safety may help minimize the potential for conflict between demonstrators and security personnel.

Looking Ahead to June 4

Political leaders, security agencies, and the general public are closely monitoring developments preceding the planned protests. Authorities are likely to enhance security measures throughout Mogadishu as arrangements continue for the political activities planned in the coming days.

Such engagement is especially important given recent accusations, protests, and political disputes that have amplified tensions in the capital. The meeting may also reflect concerns from both parties that any violence during the protests could further destabilize Mogadishu and compromise ongoing political dialogue efforts.

While the discussions do not seem to have resolved the fundamental political disagreements over elections and constitutional reforms, they show a mutual interest in preventing security incidents that could exacerbate the crisis. The June 4 protests will likely be closely monitored as an indication of both the opposition’s political influence and the government’s readiness to permit peaceful political expression during a critical phase in Somalia’s political transition.