About Saldhig Institute
Shaping Security Through Innovative and Reliable Methods
We operate beyond the constraints of risk to deliver cutting-edge research and analysis and formulate innovative locally-led solutions to security and development.
Our Mission
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
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.
Hussein Sheikh-Ali
Executive Chairman, Saldhig Institute
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
Bashir Maalim
Chief Operation Officer
An expert and researcher in security and counter-terrorism affairs. He served in the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for seven years, rising to the position of Deputy Director General.
Guiding Principles
Our Core Values
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty and ethical conduct in all our research.
Excellence
We uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty and ethical conduct in all our research.
Independence
We uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty and ethical conduct in all our research.
Collaboration
We uphold the highest standards of intellectual honesty and ethical conduct in all our research.
Our Purpose
The Institute's Objectives
Enhancing Somali strategic thinking and policy capacity.
Supporting evidence-based decision-making at national and regional levels.
Improving understanding of emerging security and geopolitical risks.
Amplifying Somali-led research, analysis, and policy perspectives on the global stage.
What Sets Us Apart
Our Niche at SI
We operate beyond the constraints of risk to deliver cutting-edge research, analysis and formulate innovative locally-led solutions to security and development.
Research & Analysis
We generate cutting-edge and new insights, advance knowledge and produce action-able ideas to confront security and development issues of the day. This is underpinned by SI’s unparalleled access hard to reach areas and ability to penetrate into complex security-political environs.
Evidence & Data
We crunch data and evidence to support our partners to make decisions and implement programs effectively. At SI, we believe that the best available information is critical to understanding and addressing the needs of people and saving lives.
Programme Delivery & Strategy
We work with governments, international bodies, organisations, businesses, and civil society to drive change. They turn to SI to develop innovative strategies and implement impactful programmes, even in fragile and challenging environments.
Capacity Building and Learning
SI develops and delivers tailored, context-specific capacity building products for government institutions and international organisations focused on fragility and conflict, security sector reform, mediation and reconciliation.
Core Strategic Objectives
Six pillars that guide our research agenda, institutional partnerships, and policy engagement across Somalia and the broader region.
Strategic Research and Analysis
Conducting rigorous research on terrorism, insurgency, maritime security, regional conflicts, and geopolitical competition.
Developing forward-looking assessments of emerging threats and opportunities.
Providing early warning and horizon scanning of regional and global shifts affecting Somalia.
Policy Influence and Advisory Support
Translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Assisting Somali policymakers, security institutions, and partners through strategic briefings and advisory services.
Contributing to national and regional policy debates through independent, credible analysis.
Regional and Global Security Thought Leadership
Positioning Somalia as a source of strategic knowledge, rather than merely a subject of external analysis.
Shaping international discourse on security dynamics in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Building partnerships with global think tanks, academic institutions, and policy networks.
Knowledge Generation and Public Strategic Literacy
Promoting informed public understanding of security, governance, and geopolitics.
Countering misinformation and simplifying narratives about Somalia and the region.
Fostering a culture of evidence-based policy discussion within Somali society.
Capacity Building and Talent Development
Supporting the growth of Somali researchers, analysts, and policymakers.
Providing platforms for emerging Somali strategic thinkers.
Strengthening Somalia's long-term security and policy expertise.
Strategic Convening and Dialogue
Offering neutral forums for policy dialogue among government, academia, the private sector, and civil society.
Facilitating Track 1.5 and Track 2 strategic conversations, where appropriate.
Promoting confidence-building discussions on complex security and political issues.
Our People
Leadership Team
Our leadership brings decades of experience in security policy, academia, and international affairs.
Dr. Ahmed Hassan
Senior Fellow
Former UN Security Council advisor with 25 years of experience in international security policy.
Dr. Ahmed Hassan
Senior Fellow
Former UN Security Council advisor with 25 years of experience in international security policy.
Dr. Ahmed Hassan
Senior Fellow
Former UN Security Council advisor with 25 years of experience in international security policy.
Dr. Ahmed Hassan
Senior Fellow
Former UN Security Council advisor with 25 years of experience in international security policy.
Governance
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and guidance, ensuring that Saldhig Institute maintains the highest standards of governance, accountability, and institutional integrity.
Board members bring diverse expertise spanning military affairs, diplomacy, academia, law, and public policy.