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Former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Yasin Haji Dahir has urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to convene a national forum aimed at developing a unified strategy to combat terrorism. In a public statement shared on March 29, 2025, Yasin emphasized the need for unity across political divides as Somalia continues to face persistent threats from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.
Yasin, who previously served as the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), called on President Mohamud to set aside political differences and extend an open invitation to all stakeholders, including opposition leaders, former officials, and critics. He stressed that the forum should focus on solutions rather than blame, fostering a spirit of collaboration to address the country’s security challenges. “This is not the time to blame each other but to unite. We hope you will act as the elder of the nation and prioritize what unites us over what divides us,” Yasin stated.
The call for a national forum comes as Somalia ramps up its military campaign against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group that has waged an insurgency for over 15 years. While government forces, supported by clan militias and international partners, have reclaimed significant territory in Galmudug and Hirshabelle states, Al-Shabaab remains entrenched in rural areas and continues to carry out deadly attacks. Just last week, a roadside bomb targeted President Mohamud’s convoy near Villa Somalia in Mogadishu, underscoring the group’s operational reach. Although the president was unharmed, the incident highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the militants.
Yasin’s proposal aligns with growing calls for a more inclusive approach to counterterrorism. Analysts have pointed out that military operations alone are insufficient to address the root causes of extremism, such as poverty, unemployment, and political marginalization. A national forum, they argue, could provide a platform for diverse voices to contribute ideas and strategies, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in the fight against terrorism.
President Mohamud, who has spent the past week on the front lines in Middle Shabelle, has yet to respond to Yasin’s proposal. The president has been actively engaging with clan militias and military commanders to sustain the momentum of the counterinsurgency campaign. His administration has prioritized the elimination of Al-Shabaab as a cornerstone of its agenda, with Mohamud describing the group as an existential threat to Somalia’s sovereignty and stability.
Yasin’s call for unity has drawn mixed reactions from political observers and the public. Supporters view it as a timely and constructive initiative that could strengthen Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts. Critics, however, question Yasin’s motives, citing his controversial tenure at NISA and allegations of political interference during his time in office. Despite these criticisms, Yasin’s proposal has sparked a broader conversation about the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to security.
The Somali government’s counterterrorism efforts have received significant support from international partners, including the United States and the African Union. However, challenges remain, including limited resources, weak governance, and the complex dynamics of clan politics. A national forum, if convened, could help address these issues by fostering dialogue and building consensus among key stakeholders.
As Somalia continues its fight against Al-Shabaab, the focus remains on achieving lasting peace and stability. Yasin’s proposal for a national forum serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming the country’s challenges. Whether President Mohamud will heed the call and bring together Somalia’s political and social leaders remains to be seen.