MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre conducted a minor reshuffle of the cabinet on Sunday, incorporating allies favored by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The reshuffle follows closely on the heels of a contentious constitutional amendment that stirred opposition both locally and in Puntland.
Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, a contentious figure who previously served as Minister of Interior, now assumes the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Fiqi, hailing from the Hawiye clan, played a prominent role in recent aggressive campaigns against both Somaliland and Puntland, advocating for constitutional changes.
Fiqi’s new position places him at the forefront of diplomatic tensions with Ethiopia, particularly in the aftermath of the 1st of January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland and the recent visit of a Puntland delegation to the region.
Ali Yusuf Ali (Hoosh), representing the Majeerteen/Daarood clan, takes over as Minister of Interior and Federal Affairs.
Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, a senator from the Marehan/Daarood clan in the Gedo region, assumes the role of Minister of Internal Security.
Abdullahi Bidhan Warsame, representing the Dhulbahante/Daarood clan, is appointed as Minister of Energy and Water.
Mohamed Adan Moallin is designated as Minister of Posts and Communications.
Ahmed Omar Mohamed is appointed State Minister of Environment and Climate Change.