Somalia's Foreign Affairs minister resigns

MOGADISHU, Somalia - One of Somalia’s senior ministers has resigned from the government, he confirmed on Monday, paving the way for a new appointment at the time the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is settling down.

Abshir Omar Jama resigned as the country's minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, citing upcoming presidential elections in Puntland state as the major reason which informed his decision to quit government.

Jama is one of many presidential candidates in Puntland out to challenge regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni, whose term is expiring on January 8th. Candidates in Puntland have accused Deni of a conspiracy to extend his term albeit illegally.

Before his exit, Jama has been integral in pushing for the country's agenda, including helping the country to sign a host of bilateral agreements with neighboring countries, as Somalia fights decades of instability and terrorism.

On Sunday, Jama presented Foreign policy to Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, emphasizing the significance to the country in terms of pushing for diplomacy and international relations. The PM lauded the move.

"Honored to present Somalia's foreign policy to Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre. A significant milestone for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Diplomacy," he stated on X.

Puntland is preparing for an election despite ongoing wrangles, with Deni accepting to have indirect polls, a deviation from his initial push to have direct polls. The opposition is also accusing him of installing a friendly election disputes committee.

GAROWE ONLINE