JOWHAR, Somalia – Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, known as Sanbaloolshe, was elected unopposed to Somalia’s federal parliament’s Lower House chamber, regaining seat HOP058 following his recent dismissal as head of the country’s intelligence agency.
The indirect vote took place in Jowhar, the capital of Middle Shabelle in Hirshabelle State. His only challenger, Ismail Warsame Farah, withdrew from the race, clearing the way for Sanbaloolshe’s return to the lower house of parliament.
Sanbaloolshe had previously vacated the seat after being appointed director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in accordance with Somali law, which prohibits MPs from holding senior executive office concurrently.
His re-election marks a political re-entry for the veteran official, who had failed to reclaim the seat during past election cycles under the former administration. He remains the only figure to have led NISA on three separate occasions.
The vote comes amid growing discontent in Sanbaloolshe’s native Hiiraan region, where residents have accused the federal government of neglecting efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group.
His return to parliament is likely to influence upcoming debates on Somalia’s national security and intelligence policies.
