Somaliland Government Must Take Action to Prevent Hargeisa from Becoming a Foreign Intelligence Center
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The government of Somaliland, in conjunction with its security agencies, experts, policymakers, and academic scholars, must take assertive measures to prevent Hargeisa from evolving into a hub for foreign intelligence operations, a predicament that has already beset Mogadishu. Over the years, I have penned numerous articles and analyses articulating the impending dangers that loom over Somaliland if proactive steps are not taken.
For the past quarter of a century, Mogadishu has transformed into a focal point for foreign intelligence activities. Various intelligence agencies including the CIA, MI6, Turkish intelligence, and numerous Gulf state and African intelligence services compete for influence and information within the region. This myriad of foreign interests has had detrimental effects on Somalia’s governance and sovereignty, exacerbating instability and undermining the capacity for effective national decision-making.
One of the most pressing threats to Republic of Somaliland’s security originates from Mogadishu’s own intelligence agency, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Unlike other intelligence entities that may operate with broader strategic interests, NISA is deeply entrenched in political motivations that directly impact Somaliland. The agency has faced numerous allegations of covertly working to destabilize Somaliland’s internal affairs by infiltrating local structures, recruiting informants from within communities, in Sool region and systematically exploiting existing clan rivalries.
Under the presidency of Hasan sh. Mohamed, there are credible reports suggesting that NISA significantly expanded its reach into Somaliland. The agency has allegedly targeted local political processes with the intent of eroding trust in the region’s state institutions. This duality in NISA’s operations is particularly alarming; while it overtly collaborates with Western and regional powers in the fight against Al-Shabaab, its underlying objectives seem rooted in undermining Somaliland’s statehood and political stability. This dual role makes NISA not merely a security challenge but also a threat to the very sovereignty of Somaliland, as it employs tactics aimed at inciting internal discord.
To avert the fate of Mogadishu, Hargeisa must act decisively and resolutely. For the past seven years, I have consistently highlighted the threats posed by NISA’s infiltration and its growing capacity to destabilize Somaliland’s political landscape. The seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated.
Furthermore, while Western and Arab intelligence services may share similar concerns involving groups such as Al-Shabaab and the Houthis, it has been observed that Western agencies tend to engage with a degree of restraint compared to the more aggressive interference seen from certain Arab, Turkish, and Chinese intelligence operations.
The strategic importance of Hargeisa, due to its proximity to the Red Sea corridor and its rising international recognition, renders it particularly attractive to foreign intelligence outfits. If left unmonitored and unchecked, the city risks evolving into a theater of covert rivalries among various foreign powers, compromising Somaliland’s security and eroding its independence.
Policy Priorities for the Somaliland Government:
1. There is an urgent need to bolster the country’s counterintelligence framework to effectively identify, monitor, and disrupt foreign networks. Special emphasis should be placed on detecting and mitigating NISA’s infiltration efforts.
2. The government must implement stringent vetting processes for foreign advisors, non-governmental organizations, and Somali contractors operating within Somaliland to minimise unwanted influence and potential espionage activities.
3. It is essential for Somaliland to maintain a balanced approach in its foreign relations, ensuring that it does not become overly reliant on any single external partner. This will help safeguard its sovereignty and allow for more autonomous decision-making.
4. Clear and strong legal measures must be adopted to combat espionage and covert interference. This includes establishing laws that specifically address the threats posed by foreign intelligence operations.
In conclusion, the sovereignty of Somaliland is contingent on its ability to ensure that Hargeisa does not suffer the same fate as Mogadishu. By implementing a proactive and comprehensive security framework, the government can preserve the stability of the region and ensure that national decisions and policies remain firmly in the hands of the Somaliland people.
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a senior consultant. He has also studied international diplomacy and is a political analyst and writer known for his detailed commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published Araweelo News Network numerous articles analysing current policies in the region and is a strong supporter of the cause of the Republic of Somaliland. He can be reached at:tra50526@gmail.com
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
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