MOHAMED ABDULAHI ALI
London,,United Kingdom
Summary
I hold an MA in Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security from Coventry University and have spent the last four years advising on Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa. For over four years, I was based in Nairobi, providing daily political and security analysis to the Embassies of Angola and Tanzania in Kenya, briefing ambassadors, drafting reports and diplomatic notes, and supporting high-level visits and regional meetings. Native English and Somali speaker with strong open-source intelligence, terrorism-financing and security sector reform expertise. Currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
6070
6070
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Special Advisor to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Mogadishu, Somalia
2026.01 - 2026.03
- Drafted official statements, keynote speeches, and sensitive diplomatic correspondence on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for national and international forums.
- Provided technical and political analysis to support the Permanent Secretary during Somalia's UN Security Council Presidency (January 2026), focusing on maritime security and counter-terrorism.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive daily briefings for the Permanent Secretary on emerging political trends, security threats, and regional geopolitical shifts.
- Managed the production of monthly and quarterly political-security reports submitted to the Cabinet and the Office of the Prime Minister.
Advisor on Somalia
Tanzania High Commission in Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
2025.05 - 2025.10
- Provided strategic policy advice on Somalia-related diplomatic, security, and development matters to support Tanzania's foreign policy objectives.
- Monitored and analyze political, economic, and security developments in Somalia; deliver briefings and reports to the High Commission.
- Prepared position papers, speeches, and background materials for the Ambassador's engagements.
- Facilitated dialogue with Somali officials, civil society, and diaspora to promote peace and stability.
- Reporting to: H.E. Dr. Bernard Yohana Kibesse, Ambassador of Tanzania to Somalia
Political and Security Affairs Advisor
Embassy of the Republic of Angola in Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
2022.02 - 2025.04
- Advised on Somalia-related political, security, and diplomatic developments.
- Engaged Somali institutions and regional partners to advance the Embassy's diplomatic objectives.
- Supported official visits, bilateral meetings, and regional conferences involving Somali stakeholders.
- Collaborated with embassies, international organizations, and regional bodies on shared interests.
- Reporting to: H.E. Sianga Abílio, Ambassador of Angola to Somalia.
Warehouse Operative
World of Books
Coventry
2021.09 - 2021.12
- Handled sorting, packaging, and quality control of incoming and outgoing stock.
- Fulfilled daily customer orders and ensured accurate shipment preparation.
- Worked collaboratively to meet performance targets and resolve logistics challenges.
Passenger Assistant
HATS People Centred Care
London
2019.09 - 2020.07
- Provided safe transport assistance for children with special educational needs.
- Monitored passenger well-being and worked with staff and families to support care.
- Followed safeguarding protocols and ensured a supportive journey environment.
Sales Assistant
Sports Direct
London
2018.05 - 2018.10
- Delivered customer service through product recommendations and assistance.
- Operated tills, handled transactions, and processed returns.
- Supported visual merchandising, stock management, and store maintenance.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Security and Intelligence Studies
University of Buckingham
United Kingdom 2025.01 - 2027.01
Master of Arts (MA) - Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security.
Coventry University
United KingdomLevel 7 Certificate - Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
CoventryBachelor of Science - Social Sciences
Birkbeck, University of London
United KingdomCertification
- LASER Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry – SIA license, Best Training London Limited
- LASER Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators (Public Space Surveillance) in the Private Security Industry – SIA License, Best Training London Limited
- Emergency First Aid at Work (Foundation Level 2) – Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Best Training London (10 Nov 2025, valid for 3 years)
- ACT Security e-Learning (Counter-Terrorism for Security Operatives), UK Counter Terrorism Policing (2025)
- ACT Awareness e-Learning, NaCTSO / Highfield / Counter Terrorism Policing (2025)
- Fire Warden (Fire Marshal) Training V4.5 – CPD & RoSPA accredited, Vital Skills / HSQE Ltd (2025)
- Security Sector Reform and Governance – United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
- Combating Terrorism Financing – Basel Institute on Governance
- International Cooperation & Mutual Legal Assistance – Basel Institute
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) – Basel Institute on Governance
- Business, International Relations, and the Political Economy - London School of Economics and Political Science.
LANGUAGES
English (Native)
Somali (Native)
INTERNSHIPS
- Researcher – Horn of Africa (Somalia focus) International Crisis Group (Remote) | February 2023 – May 2023
- Conducted in-depth research and analysis on Somalia's political, security, and clan dynamics for upcoming Crisis Group reports and briefings.
- Monitored and assessed key developments, including Al-Shabaab activity, federal-member state relations, electoral processes, and regional security trends.
- Contributed to drafting policy-oriented reports, briefing notes, and recommendations aimed at international policymakers, donors, and diplomatic audiences.
- Counter-Terrorism Research Fellow Intern Rise to Peace – Washington (Remote) August 2022 – October 2022
- Conducted research on the causes of terrorism and violent extremism, contributing to policy understanding and counter-strategies.
- Built relationships with experts, NGOs, and intergovernmental organizations.
- Produced research for academic and policy use, informing teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Advisor to the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
2026.01 - 2026.03
Advisor on Somalia
Tanzania High Commission in Kenya
2025.05 - 2025.10
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Security and Intelligence Studies
University of Buckingham
2025.01 - 2027.01
Political and Security Affairs Advisor
Embassy of the Republic of Angola in Kenya
2022.02 - 2025.04
Warehouse Operative
World of Books
2021.09 - 2021.12
Passenger Assistant
HATS People Centred Care
2019.09 - 2020.07
Sales Assistant
Sports Direct
2018.05 - 2018.10
Master of Arts (MA) - Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security.
Coventry University
Level 7 Certificate - Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Bachelor of Science - Social Sciences
Birkbeck, University of London