Security
Al-Shabaab’s Evolution: Strategic or Forced?
An assessment of the group's strategic, operational and governance transformation — and what drives it.
- Security
- Counter-terrorism
Wealth of Experience on Security Research
Evidence, Insight and Strategy
We operate beyond the constraints of risk to deliver cutting-edge research and analysis and formulate innovative locally-led solutions to security and development.
What Sets Us Apart
Our Niche at SI
We operate beyond the constraints of risk to deliver cutting-edge research and analysis, and formulate innovative locally-led solutions to security and development.
Research & Analysis
We generate new insights, advance knowledge and produce actionable ideas to confront the security and development issues of the day, underpinned by unparalleled access to hard-to-reach areas.
Evidence & Data
We crunch data and evidence so partners can decide and deliver effectively. The best available information is critical to understanding needs and saving lives.
Programme Delivery & Strategy
We work with governments, international bodies, businesses and civil society to develop innovative strategies and implement impactful programmes in fragile environments.
Capacity Building & Learning
Tailored, context-specific capacity building for institutions focused on fragility and conflict, security sector reform, mediation and reconciliation.
Research Focus Areas
Research Programs
Our research spans critical security domains, providing policymakers with evidence-based analysis and actionable recommendations.
National Security
Strategic defence policy, military affairs, and homeland security analysis.
Regional Security
Geopolitical analysis, regional stability, and international security dynamics.
Counter-terrorism
Terrorism prevention, threat assessment, and response strategies.
Peace & Conflict
Conflict resolution, peace building, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Cybersecurity
Digital security, cyber defence, and critical infrastructure protection.
Intelligence Studies
Intelligence analysis, strategic foresight, and security decision-making.
Governance & Stability
State building, institutional resilience, and democratic governance.
Border & Maritime
Territorial security, maritime defence, and border management.
Reports
Latest Reports
Web articles from SALDHIG Institute — field analysis, assessments and commentary to read on the site.
More reports
Browse all
Maritime
Coastal Enforcement and Illegal Fishing in Somali Waters
18 May 2026
Governance
Federalism and Security Coordination after the Next Elections
2 April 2026
Counter-terrorism
Disengagement Pathways: What Defector Programmes Still Miss
20 February 2026
Maritime
Red Sea Shipping Risk and Horn of Africa Ports
14 January 2026
Our Mission
Research that informs decisions
The mission of the SALDHIG Institute is to produce high-quality, policy-relevant analysis regarding security, governance, and geopolitical developments impacting Somalia and its strategic environment.
The Institute serves as a bridge between research and decision-making by offering reliable analysis, strategic foresight, and practical policy recommendations to Somali institutions, regional partners, and international stakeholders.
Our Vision
Somalia’s premier security research institute
The SALDHIG Institute aims to remain the premier independent Somali research organisation specialising in strategic policy and security analysis. Its purpose is to shape understanding at the national, regional, and international levels concerning security, governance, and geopolitical issues in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The Institute seeks to foster a secure, stable, sovereign, and strategically influential Somalia, underpinned by strong institutions, adherence to the rule of law, and evidence-based policymaking.
Our People
Leadership team
Our leadership team brings decades of experience in national security, policy research, and international affairs.
Executive Chairman
Hussein Sheikh-Ali
A national security leader with two terms as National Security Advisor and deep experience building Somali security institutions. He has advised the President on counterterrorism and on the practical work of standing up security bodies that can plan and last. His focus is security policy and institutional development.
- Former National Security Advisor (two terms) and Counterterrorism Advisor to the President
- Founder and former Executive Chairman, Hiraal Institute (now defunct)
- Expert in security policy and institutional development
Chief Operation Officer
Bashir Maalim
A security and counter-terrorism researcher with senior operational experience inside Somalia’s intelligence community. He served in the National Intelligence and Security Agency for seven years and rose to Deputy Director General. His work joins operational knowledge with research on security and counter-terrorism affairs.
- An expert and researcher in security and counter-terrorism affairs
- Served in the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for seven years
- Rose to the position of Deputy Director General