Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail

H.E. General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail

Minister of Internal Security, Federal Government of Somalia

Appointed: 7 April 2024

Biography

Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail “Fartaag” is the Minister of Internal Security of the Federal Government of Somalia. He was appointed to this position on 7 April 2024. As Minister, he leads the Ministry’s work on internal security governance, security institutions, and coordination with Federal Member States.

Before his appointment, Fartaag served as a Senator in the Upper House of the Federal Parliament from 2016, representing Gedo Region. He was re-elected in July 2021. Previously, he served as Vice-President of Jubaland State from 2013 to 2016, with responsibilities that included reconciliation and security.

Fartaag has more than three decades of experience in military and security sector roles at federal and Federal Member State levels. He commanded the Somali National Army’s 60th Division in Dollow from 2011 to 2013, headed military reorganization in Jubaland from 2009 to 2011, and commanded Section 3 in Jubaland from 2006 to 2007. He also led SNA reorganization from 2001 to 2004.

Fartaag received military education at the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy. Further details about his academic qualifications have not been specified in the available official biography.

His areas of experience include military leadership, security sector reform, reconciliation, and federal security coordination. As Minister, Fartaag focuses on strengthening internal security institutions, improving coordination among security agencies, and developing the capacity and professionalism of Somalia’s security sector.