Hussein Macalin, who served as the National Security Advisor to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from June 25, 2022, officially departed his role on July 25, 2025, exactly three years after his appointment.
His departure has generated considerable discussion in Mogadishu and beyond, given the country’s ongoing security challenges that cannot afford a sensitive vacuum such as the one left vacant by Hussein. Somali Stream’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding his exit; whether it was a resignation or dismissal, indicates that Macalin formally submitted his resignation about a month and a half earlier, with the process beginning several months ago.
Findings show that his resignation was influenced by a range of issues that had been building up since the arms theft scandal involving the U.S.-trained Danab forces emerged in early 2024.
For much of this year, the National Security Advisor’s office had been largely redundant due in part to Hussein Macalin’s lack of confidence in the job, among other factors that led to his “voluntarily stepping down.”
Five Key Factors Leading to the Departure
1. The Theft of Danab Weapons
In April 2024, a scandal broke concerning the disappearance of Somali military aid from the United States. A U.S.-led investigation revealed that food aid intended for the Danab special forces had been misappropriated and mismanaged by security officials, mainly from the Ministry of Defense, who were found responsible for the theft.
Sources from the Presidency confirmed that Ministry of Defense officials and military leadership accused the National Security Advisor of failing to properly defend against the food theft allegations.” Some security agencies went further, accusing Macalin’s office of complicity, citing evidence that “he was aware of the theft but did not act.
2. Egypt and Raaskambooni: A Disputed Decision
Disagreement emerged between the Presidency and Hussein Macalin concerning Egyptian troops and an offensive in Jubaland. Late last year, when the Somali Presidency was planning a response to the re-election of Ahmed Madobe, Macalin reportedly opposed military action against that administration. His objection was based on avoiding conflict within the Somali national army and preserving the trust between soldiers.
Despite his advice being disregarded and the president’s inner circle proceeding with the Jubaland operation, the failure of the offensive was solely blamed on the National Security Advisor’s office for not producing a viable security plan.
Hussein, reportedly upset that his advice was dismissed and that he was scapegoated for the failed operation in Raaskambooni, was further marginalized when he was excluded from discussions about deploying Egyptian troops under AUSSOM.
Findings indicate he became caught between the President’s close allies, who were divided over the involvement of Egypt and Ethiopia, ultimately leading to his sidelining and being treated as irrelevant.
3. Making Way for the President’s Allies
After several months of “professional isolation,” President Hassan moved the responsibilities of the Security Advisor under the Chief of Staff. Currently, tough competition and negotiation is underway among the President’s allies and inner circle to fill the role vacated by Hussein Macalin.
4. A Resignation Delayed and Accepted Under Pressure
Somali Stream found that Hussein Macalin had already stepped away from his job two months ago, as early as May, amid disputes between Villa Somalia and the Security Advisor’s office. However, President Hassan Sheikh delayed accepting the resignation while searching for a replacement.
This meant the resignation was kept on hold and only officially announced on July 20, 2025, allowing the government to avoid direct blame for various recent security failures. Sources confirmed that Hussein Macalin was ultimately forced out. The final blow came the same night it was reported that a ship carrying weapons for the TURKISOM base had been diverted to Puntland. The Presidency chose to blame Hussein for the leaked information about the ship, prompting the approval and fast-tracking of his previously rejected and pending resignation.
5. A Sensitive book that alarmed the Presidency
It has been confirmed that Hussein Macalin has finalized a book that will be published soon. The book offers an in-depth analysis of the country’s security situation, Villa Somalia’s role, and the relationship with the international community. The manuscript reportedly caused major concern within the Presidency, as it is feared it might reveal sensitive information, leading to increased pressure on him to resign.
Colleagues who worked under Hussein have exclusively told Somali Stream that the book contains major security disclosures and insights into key events.
Hussein Macalin’s resignation presents a different picture from what has been officially reported. It appears his departure was not routine but rooted in deep power struggles over the direction of national security, external influences, and internal political conflicts within the government.