In April 2026, Somalia’s Federal Council of Ministers approved the appointment of Hussein Qaasim Yusuf as the new Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), following a formal nomination by the Ministry of Internal Security.
His appointment marks a significant transition at one of the country’s most strategic institutions, responsible for managing identity, mobility, and border governance in a rapidly evolving state system.
Yusuf assumes the role at a time when Somalia is seeking to modernize public institutions and strengthen service delivery to its citizens. He succeeds Mustafe Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, who had been appointed to the same position in December 2024.
In a gesture reflecting continuity and institutional goodwill, the outgoing Director General publicly welcomed his successor, expressing confidence in his leadership and offering prayers for his success in serving the nation with integrity and dedication.
For those familiar with Somalia’s governance landscape, Hussein Qaasim Yusuf is not a new name. He brings with him more than a decade of experience across the executive and legislative branches of government, with a career that reflects both technical expertise and political leadership.
Currently serving as a Member of the Federal Parliament representing Galmudug State, he has also played a central role in Somalia’s constitutional process as Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Review and Implementation.
His background spans some of the most critical areas of state-building in Somalia. From serving as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to holding the position of Deputy Director General at the Office of the President, Yusuf has been directly involved in shaping policy, coordinating national reform efforts, and strengthening institutional frameworks.
Earlier in his career, he contributed to the country’s federalization process as a Program Coordinator within the Joint Roadmap Implementation Unit.
Beyond government, his professional journey includes experience in international development and the private sector.
He has worked as a Program Officer with Africa Humanitarian Action in Addis Ababa and held senior financial leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer at Amal Bank in Mogadishu and Senior Regional Auditor at the bank’s headquarters in Dubai.
These roles have provided him with a strong foundation in financial oversight, accountability, and organizational management.
Academically, Yusuf holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Accounting from SIMAD University in Mogadishu.
His academic training, combined with his practical experience, positions him at the intersection of policy, governance, and institutional reform.
Colleagues often describe him as a policymaker with a deep understanding of constitutional systems and public administration, as well as someone committed to building capable and transparent institutions.
Fluent in both Somali and English, he has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders at national and international levels.
His new role at the Immigration and Citizenship Agency places him at the forefront of efforts to modernize identity systems, improve passport and visa services, and strengthen Somalia’s border management.
These functions are increasingly critical, not only for national security but also for economic development, diaspora engagement, and international cooperation.
As Somalia continues its path toward institutional consolidation, the appointment of Hussein Qaasim Yusuf reflects a broader effort to place experienced technocrats in key leadership roles.
His tenure will likely be closely watched, both for its impact on service delivery and for its contribution to rebuilding public trust in state institutions.
For now, his journey into this role represents both continuity and change, drawing on years of experience while stepping into a position that sits at the heart of Somalia’s connection to its citizens and the wider world.