Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made a strong call for national self-reliance in security and governance, urging citizens to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future without depending solely on international assistance.
Speaking at a handover ceremony at the headquarters of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), where Mahad Mohamed Salad officially assumed leadership from Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the president stressed that the foundations of a stable Somalia must be built from within.
“The world has supported us in rebuilding our institutions,” said President Mohamud. “But security is where we must now step up. This is a task we must own as a nation.”
He encouraged the Somali people to move past fear and assume responsibility for their country’s safety and governance, pointing out that Somalia already has the leadership, ideas, and capacity to lead its own transformation.
“We must now do what the world cannot do for us. Once we take ownership, international partners will walk beside us—not in front of us,” he added.
Addressing the new NISA chief, President Mohamud outlined key priorities for the agency, including strengthening counter-terrorism operations, improving coordination with other security bodies, and restoring public trust in national institutions.
The president’s remarks come at a time when Somalia is preparing for a future with reduced foreign military presence, making internal security capacity a top priority. His message signals a broader strategic shift toward national resilience and institutional independence in both the political and security arenas.