Somalia's PM sacks Foreign Affairs Minister

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has sacked Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Abdirizak, just a year after he took over the critical docket which coordinates international relations.

On Saturday, Roble, who has been in the realm of power since 2020, sent home Mohamed Abdirizak and replaced with him Abdisaid Muse Ali, a key ally of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who is facing a re-election debacle.

This is the latest minister PM Roble is replacing since taking over as the leader of government business in the federal government of Somalia. In September he sacked Hassan Hundubey, a former minister in charge of security.

In a tweet, Abdirizak Mohamed said he was surprised with the announcement by PM Roble, who has been at loggerheads with Farmaajo, adding that he wishes all the best to his successor.

"The story of my replacement is a surprise to me, as much as everyone else but follows my offer of resignation a week ago. I will update everyone in due course but it has been a pleasure to serve the Somali nation and of course, with my replacement all the best," he said.

In his replacement, Prime Minister Roble appointed former national security advisor to Farmaajo Abdisaid Muse Ali as the new minister of foreign affairs. Villa Somalia is yet to release a statement on the latest development.

But for the last two months, the PM has been at loggerheads with Farmaajo, but after international partners pressure, both reconcile. The country is to begin Lower House polls in the next few days.

GAROWE ONLINE