Somalia: Hassan Sheikh sacks Mogadishu mayor, appoints successor

MOGADISHU, Somalia - After three years at the helm as the Mayor of Mogadishu and substantive governor of the Banadir region, Omar Mohamud Mohamed alias Filish has been relieved of his duties, amid escalating Al-Shabaab raids within Somalia's capital.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who took over from Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed better known as Farmajo this year, dismissed Filish on Wednesday afternoon, replacing him with Hussein Jimale, who will be tasked with monitoring development in the Banadir region.

A statement issued by the president suggested that the proposal to kick out Filish came from the ministry of Interior and Federal Affairs, but failed to give detailed information on what could have triggered the dismissal. Filish was appointed by Farmajo in 2019.

His appointment was occasioned by the death of Abdirahman Osman Yarisow, a respected engineer whose progressive development attitude is attributed to the growth of the city. Yarisow died following an Al-Shabaab attack within the capital and was mourned by thousands of people across the world.

Previously, Jimale served as the mayor of Mogadishu between November 2015 and April 2017 under the first reign of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud but was replaced by Thabit Abdi Mohammed when Farmajo came in as the president of the country.

Hassan Sheikh, who has pledged speedy development in the country acknowledged the experience of Jimale, adding that "he played an important role in reconstructing the capital Mogadishu during his term". Since taking over, he has done numerous appointments in the country.

The president urged the new mayor to focus on Mogadishu's stabilization and security plan, reconciliation, strengthening cooperation between security agencies and the Banadir region's community, beauty, and the expansion of essential services.

The president was elected in May by members of parliament and has been carrying reforms across all sectors, including removing allies of Farmajo who are blamed for the stagnation of the economy. He has prioritized economic development and the fight against Al-Shabaab as his major take-ins.

Jimale takes over at the time Mogadishu is battling an incursion of Al-Shabaab terrorists, who have been targeting innocent civilians. Last month, the militants targeted Hayaat Hotel within Mogadishu, killing over 22 innocent civilians after a 72-hour siege.

GAROWE ONLINE