Sunday June 15, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has
called on citizens to actively support the building of effective governance,
emphasizing that Somalia’s statehood should no longer rely on international
support.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the National
Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) —where Mahad Mohamed Salad was
appointed as the new director, replacing Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe —the
President underscored the critical need for Somalia to strengthen its internal
capacity, particularly in the area of security.
“The international community has helped us significantly in
rebuilding our state institutions,” President Hassan Sheikh said. “But where we
continue to face challenges is in the area of security. Achieving a
fully-fledged Somali state depends on how we handle this.”
He urged the Somali public to overcome fear and engage fully
in securing the country, noting that the nation is already self-sufficient in leadership,
decision-making, and development.
“Let us do things the world cannot do for us. If we take
ownership of our security, the world will stand beside us in rebuilding
Somalia,” he said.
Addressing the new NISA leadership, President Mohamud
directed Mahad Mohamed Salad to build on the agency’s current achievements by intensifying
counter-terrorism efforts, improving inter-agency coordination, and working to restore
and strengthen public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
The President’s comments reflect his administration’s
growing emphasis on self-reliance and national responsibility, especially as
Somalia navigates a complex political and security landscape while
international forces prepare for a gradual drawdown.