Fahad Yasin, Somalia’s former National Security Adviser, former Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and former Chief of Staff to the President, has announced the publication of his second book, Wadaad iyo Waranle (The Cleric and the Warrior), which is expected to be released to readers in the coming weeks.
In a statement, Fahad described the book as more than a traditional autobiography, saying it brings together a collection of personal experiences, historical events and encounters that shaped his life and outlook.
The book recounts key chapters of Somalia’s recent history through the author’s own experiences, covering periods that include the Islamic Courts Union, the Asmara Alliance, the Ras Kamboni movement, and his interactions with the late Sheikh Hassan Turki. It also traces his journey into politics, culminating in Somalia’s 2012 political transition.
According to Fahad, the book documents two major phases of his life. The first explores his upbringing during the collapse of Somalia’s central government, his search for identity and purpose, his work as a school teacher and mosque imam, his time at the Utanga camp, and his involvement with Islamic organisations and scholars who influenced his intellectual development.
The second phase focuses on his journalism career, including his work as an independent correspondent for BBC Arabic, Al-Quds Al-Arabi and Alalam TV, as well as his contributions to Somali-language media outlets before joining Al Jazeera.
Fahad said the book serves as a record of his personal journey from childhood through his professional and political life, while also providing insight into some of the defining events that shaped contemporary Somalia.
He added that Wadaad iyo Waranle is the first in a series of forthcoming publications, with three additional books already in development and expected to be released in the future.
Concluding the announcement, Fahad expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling him to complete the project, noting that the books were compiled over the past four years during a period that provided him with the opportunity to dedicate significant time to writing, reflection and documentation.