Somali President suspends three top aides: Sources

Mogadishu (Somalia Today) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has suspended three senior officials from his office, sources at Villa Somalia told Somalia Today.

President Mohamud issued the temporary suspensions just hours before he departed for a state visit to Algeria on Tuesday. Sources claim he also barred the officials from his delegation for that trip.

The three aides include Mohamed Amin Sheikh, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Villa Somalia. The president also suspended Hinda Ulusow, the powerful Chief of Presidential Protocol. The third official was Abdirisak Mohamed Mohamud, known as “British,” who serves as the president’s Personal Assistant.

Sources familiar with the matter said the suspensions are linked to the management of presidential foreign travel. 

The temporary measure will remain in effect “until a further order.” Some reports suggest it could last one to three weeks, but the president will likely make a final decision on the aides’ future when he returns from his trip.

Events during a presidential trip prior to the one in Algeria reportedly triggered the decision.

Sources alleged that the officials added individuals to that previous delegation who were not official members. These unauthorized travelers included “politicians seeking support and positions,” according to one source, who did not name the politicians.

A pattern of criticism

The suspensions happen against a background of growing public concern over presidential travel. 

This is not the first time the administration has faced such criticism, as there have been persistent reports of individuals joining official delegations without a government role. 

Some reports have even alleged that members of the president’s extended family have joined state visits. In addition, there is a wider concern among Somalia’s international partners, who worry that individuals are using official trips as a means to seek asylum.

The suspensions remove three key figures from the president’s inner circle.

Mohamed Amin Sheikh, as Deputy Chief of Staff, is a senior administrator in the president’s office. He recently led a Somali delegation to Azerbaijan in July 2025 to study public service reforms.

Hinda Ulusow, the Chief of Presidential Protocol, is recognized as an influential official responsible for managing the president’s schedule and access. In 2023, Somalia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia resigned. He publicly accused Ms. Ulusow of mistreatment and blocking his access to President Mohamud during a summit in Jeddah.

Abdirisak Mohamed Mohamud serves as the president’s personal assistant.

A push for transparency 

The suspensions come as President Mohamud’s government promotes a new agenda focused on anti-corruption and better governance.

President Mohamud’s administration has faced pressure to improve governance. In October 2025, his government introduced a “National Transformation Plan” for the period 2025-2029. 

According to analysis from the Transparency Somalia Initiative, this plan identifies systemic corruption as the “single greatest impediment” to state-building and stability.

This new anti-corruption push makes the issue of unauthorized travelers particularly sensitive. Some analysts suggest the president’s action is an effort to restore credibility and signal a commitment to transparency.

However, the administration continues to face scrutiny. A coalition of lawmakers and the Somalia Salvation Forum announced in the third quarter of 2025 that it planned to file lawsuits against the government. 

The group accused senior officials of “constitutional violations, corruption, and human rights abuses,” according to a report from the Center for Human Rights and Social Development.

The issue of “politicians seeking positions” is also sensitive due to rising political tensions. With elections planned for 2026, the International Crisis Group has warned of a potential “electoral showdown.” 

Critics allege the president is attempting to centralize power, making any sign of political favor-trading a serious concern.

Spokespeople for the president’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the suspensions.