Somalia: Somaliland reshuffles cabinet to appease Sool

HARGEISA, Somaliland-Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Silanyo) made a far-reaching cabinet reshuffle, giving Sool politicians more positions in the government on August 15.

Analysts describe the move “appeasing” amidst crucial talks between self-declared Khaatumo administration and Somaliland government.

New faces including Interior and Security Minister Yasin Haji Mohamud Hiir (Faratoon) have managed to secure portfolios in the cabinet, with seven months to go until general elections scheduled for March, 2017.

Khaatumo leader and federal Member of Parliament Ali Khalif Galaydh says, he aims to live side-by-side in peace with Somaliland.

Other cabinet members from Sool include –Guled Mohamed Shire who became Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation, Yusuf Ahmed Farah (Af Lahar) Deputy Minister for Justice, Minister of State of Agriculture Abdiwahid Abdikadir Abdirahman, Mohamed Ahmed Hassan (Jabarti), National Tender Committee Director-General, Mohamed Ahmed Adan (Boocame), State Minister for Information, Saleban Barre Hassan, the commandant of second division of national army, Mohamud Ismael Elmi(Dek), Marodijeh Governor and advisor to Interior Minister Haji Jeniyare.

The Presidential decree does not relate to ongoing negotiations between Somaliland and Khaatumo in the town of Ainabo, a source with direct knowledge of developing matters told GO.

Somaliland government is seeking to smoothly conduct voter registration exercise in Sool, Sanaag and Ayn, regions fiercely vied by the separatist administration and Puntland.

Buuhoodle residents who clashed with Somaliland troops in deadly battles in 2013 have accorded a welcoming rally to Health Minister Saleban Isse Ahmed (Haglatosiye) who wants Puntland and Khaatumo grip waned.

Puntland Vice President—himself from Buuhoodle—has yet to react to the latest developments.

GAROWE ONLINE