MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal authorities is getting ready to announce a mini-cabinet reshuffle this week, with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre anticipated to assign International Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the Ministry of Defence, amid an escalating militant advance within the central areas.
The reshuffle, the second change within the defence portfolio inside a month, comes amid mounting issues over the deteriorating safety scenario as Al-Shabaab militants intensify their offensive. The transfer would see Fiqi exchange Jibril Abdirashid, who solely weeks in the past succeeded Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur — Somalia’s longest-serving defence minister in a long time.
Barre can also be contemplating appointing his deputy as the brand new international minister, sources informed Somaliguardian. Nevertheless, the state minister for international affairs — an in depth confidant of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud — is reportedly lobbying for a nominee with ties to the U.S. Democratic Occasion, in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with Washington.
In a parallel shake-up, the federal government is anticipated to dismiss the present head of the Nationwide Intelligence and Safety Company (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Sanbaboloshe. Former director Mahad Salad, who was eliminated following earlier intelligence lapses, is being thought of for reinstatement — a transfer already drawing scrutiny amid intensifying safety failures.
The reshuffle is more likely to be formally introduced on Thursday, although last-minute lobbying continues behind closed doorways at Villa Somalia, the seat of the presidency.
Analysts warn that the speedy turnover in key safety and international affairs posts may additional destabilize Somalia’s fragile state establishments at a important second in its ongoing struggle in opposition to insurgency.
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