NISA officer arrested for rejecting plot to kill ex-leaders

Mohamed Hassan was taken into custody after rejecting to be part of the NISA boss plan to murder Sheikh Sharif and Hassan Sheikh during a Thursday night army attack on their hotel in the capital.

News Keydmedia Online
20 February 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia – A top Somali intelligence official has been arrested in Mogadishu for failure to obey orders from Fahad Yasin to lead a plot to assassinate former presidents ahead of Friday’s protest.

Mohamed Hassan was taken into custody after rejecting to be part of the NISA boss plan to murder Sheikh Sharif and Hassan Sheikh during a Thursday night army attack on their hotel in the capital.

Somalia’s outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo whose term ended on February 8 and his right-hand man Fahad Yasin overthrew the country in a bloodless coup, according to the opposition.

The opposition candidates say they will continue their protests in Mogadishu to demand the removal of Farmajo from the presidential palace and hold inclusive and peaceful elections.

The government forces have indiscriminately opened fire at protesters in the capital on Friday morning, sparking violent clashes with dozens of soldiers loyal to the opposition.

Speaking to the reporters in Mogadishu on Saturday, Sheikh Sharif who served as 7th Somali president and now leading the opposition candidates condemned the use of the army against unarmed civilians.

“We are very sorry they [Somali armed forces] have been used against us,” said the ex-leader.

The international community, including the US and UN, voiced concern over the escalating security and political situation in Somalia, calling on the leaders to exercise more restraint and open dialogue.

KON English News Desk