Why Somalia PM Barre initiated cabinet reshuffle

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Blocking a possible non-confidence motion against the government of Somalia significantly contributed to the decision by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to reshuffle the cabinet on Monday, a move which caught many political bigwigs unaware.

The motion of no confidence against the government has been gathering momentum in the past few weeks, with the opposition questioning the capacity of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to effectively solve a myriad of challenges facing Somalia.

Insiders say the appointment of new ministers was part of a political deal to halt the motion, solidifying the Prime Minister’s support in Parliament. For months, the government has struggled to handle insecurity and economic challenges, leading to street protests in the country.

Notably, the return of former Finance Minister Elmi Mohamud Nur, who previously lost his position due to corruption allegations and internal conflicts within the Ministry of Finance, is seen as a move to manage ongoing political tensions within President Hassan Sheikh’s UPD party.

The corruption scandal that once surrounded Nur eventually reached Villa Somalia, further complicating the political landscape, analysts say, arguing that the administration is targeting the expansion of its strongholds.

The PM’s spokesperson, Farhan Jimale, posted on Facebook before the reshuffle, stating that the new appointments would enhance the government’s efficiency and transparency—remarks that contradict Nur’s controversial history. He is now the Minister of Public Works.

The reshuffle saw Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointing Abdisalan Abdi Ali as the country's Second Deputy Prime Minister, marking the first time since the interim government that Somalia has had a second deputy prime minister.

Abdisalan previously served as Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction, and Housing, a position now filled by Dr. Elmi Nur, the former Finance Minister. The reshuffle includes several other ministerial appointments.

Some of the new appointments include Yusuf Mohamed Adan, the new Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Mohamud Ahmed Adan, who will take over Maritime Transport and Ports while Sheikh Omar Abubakar will be the Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Others include Ismail Shire Jama (Minister of State for Petroleum and Minerals), Mohamed Osman Omar (Minister of State for Family and Human Rights), Eynaanshe Yusuf Hussein (Minister of State for Labor and Social Affairs), Mohamed Yusuf Hassan (Minister of State for Fisheries and Blue Economy) and Mohamed Nur Abubakar who becomes minister of State for Trade and Industry.

GAROWE ONLINE