The reappointment of Mahad Mohamed Salad as Director of the Somalia National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) brings with it a storm of controversy and concern, sparking deep alarm from the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). This decision, seen by many as a reward for Salad despite his documented history of abuses, sends ripples through the media community, hinting at an underlying system that rewards rather than penalizes harmful actions.

“Instead of holding him accountable, the Somali government has rewarded Mahad Mohamed Salad with his crimes, greenlighting more abuses against journalists and marginalized communities,” said SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim.

A Troubling Tenure

Mahad Salad initially took the helm of NISA on May 26, 2022. His tenure darkened with allegations of orchestrated attacks against media entities, civil society organizations, and minority communities. This chapter concluded with his dismissal on April 4, 2024. Despite these serious allegations, no investigation followed. Imagine the surprise and concern when he stepped back into the role on June 1, 2025, officially resuming his duties on June 14.

Targeted Attacks on Journalists

An example of the troubling conditions under Salad’s leadership occurred on October 10, 2022. NISA agents, with a former Al-Shabaab defector in the lead, raided the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) offices in Mogadishu post-business hours. Just a day later, SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Ahmed Mumin faced abduction from Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport. In solitary confinement for 11 days, he endured torture and survived an assassination attempt.

The conflict between Salad’s administration and media freedom escalated further with the re-arrest and brutal treatment of Mumin in early 2023. After enduring 33 days of torture, he sought refuge outside Somalia, compelled to leave what was once his home.

A Chilling Pattern

The fear of persecution under Salad’s NISA became tangible for many journalists. Instances were rife. On November 30, 2022, journalists asking probing questions about an attack on the Villa Rays hotel were threatened with imprisonment or worse. The pattern persisted with similar incidents throughout December of that year and beyond. Familiar faces in the media were unlawfully detained, assaulted, and harassed, all under the shadow of NISA’s influence.

A particularly haunting memory was the unlawful detention of Arlaadi Media editor Aweys Bashir Abdirahman on December 24, 2022. Consider this: walking down a street one day, and the next, you’re assaulted by suspected agents simply for doing your job.

A Broader Spectrum of Abuses

Journalists weren’t the sole targets. Within media houses, informants lurked, monitoring and pressuring those who dared to criticize NISA. Bribes, social media troll networks, and defamation campaigns became tools to silence government critics. February 2024 saw journalists threatened while covering the murder of Abdinasir Muse Dahable, with NISA-linked officers suspected in his killing. Local journalists received chilling warnings: “speak out, and face death or disappearance.”

An Urgent Plea for Justice

Many believe Mahad Salad’s unchecked return signifies more than an oversight — it points to a setting conducive to abuse. The SJS, alongside international watchdogs, calls for accountability. What does it say about justice when those meant to protect are the oppressors?

The pressing need for reform is articulated best by SJS’s President, Mohamed Ibrahim, “We urge the Somali government to immediately review this decision, remove Salad, and prosecute him. His victims deserve justice and protection.”