Somalia: Puntland leader sacks 8 ministers in first cabinet shuffle

GAROWE, Somalia, June 16, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s Northeastern state of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has sacked eight ministers of his first choices in much anticipated shuffle on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

Education Minister Ali Haji Warsame, Security Minister Hassan Osman Allore and Health Minister Dr. Sadik Enow are among those removed from their posts.

Seven ministers managed to retain positions while three ministers changed portfolios.

Former Justice Minister Ismael Mohamed Warsame who Saturday resigned over missing pays was replaced with Salah Habib Haji Jama.

Served in the cabinet under the incumbency of former President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, Ali Abdullahi Warsame took on a new post as Minister of Environment.

Both Enow and Warsame vied for presidency in the 2014 elections, with the latter currently visiting London.

The cabinet reshuffle had faced some hurdles after Ali and the Vice President disagreed on the inclusion of former Somaliland Public Works and Housing Minister Ahmed Abdi Habsade in the released lineup.

On Monday, in a speech to the parliament, Puntland President pledged to deliver on his promises amid anti-militant offensives, overdue pays and lapse in security.

Earlier in May, Ali hinted at administrative overhaul for incompetence, and fired Governors and Mayors. 

READ: Wrangle delays Puntland cabinet reshuffle 

GAROWE ONLINE