Mogadishu (WDN) – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has announced a cabinet reshuffle, which included the dismissal of several key ministers. Among the most notable changes was the removal of Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who has now been reassigned to lead the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport.

Minister Abdulkadir, who had no prior military or security experience before his appointment as Defense Minister, faced increasing scrutiny during his tenure as government forces struggled to contain the extremist group Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia. His leadership faced criticism due to setbacks in military operations, with Al-Shabaab militants consolidating their control over key strategic areas in Jowhar, Balcad, and Afgooye. These developments have heightened security concerns as the militants push toward the capital, Mogadishu, from both the southern and northern directions.

Reports suggest that Minister Abdulkadir’s removal came also in response to mounting pressure from international partners, particularly the United States. As a key ally in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts, Washington had reportedly expressed growing dissatisfaction with the Somali military’s performance, citing a lack of progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The setbacks have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Somalia’s security strategy and its impact on regional stability.

The new Minister of Defense Jibril Abdirashid H. Abdi, which his appointment comes at a critical juncture, as the Somali government seeks to regain momentum in its counterinsurgency campaign and reassure both domestic and international stakeholders of its commitment to eradicating terrorism.

The reshuffle also included the appointment of a new Minister of Youth and Sports. Notably, the new appointee is reported to be the son-in-law of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, raising questions about potential political favoritism within the administration.

The list of appointments issued by the Office of the Prime Minister is as follows:

1. Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi – Minister of Defense.

2. Abdikhadir Mohamed Nuur – Minister of Ports and Sea Transport.

3. Mahmoud Ahmed Aadan (Geesood) – Minister of Trade and Industry.

4. Mohamed Farah Nuux – Minister of Transport and Aviation.

5. Mohamed Abdiqadir Ali – Minister of Youth and Sports.

New deputy ministerial appointments:

6. Mahmoud Abdiqadir Haaji (Jeego) – Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.

7. Sahuur Haaji Culusow Hassan – Deputy Minister of Energy and Water.
8. Sulub Ahmed Firin – Deputy Minister of Internal Security.

9. Mahmoud Abdullahi Ahmed (Abukaate) – Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry.

10. Aamina Hussein Ali – Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.
11. Hussein Ali Haaji – Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

12. Fartuun Abdiqadir Farah – Deputy Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport.

13. Mohamed Aden Mohamed (Baydhabo Janaay) – Deputy Minister of Planning, Investment & Economic Development.

14. Mohamed Hussein Abuukar (Gaaraxo) – Deputy Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction, and Housing.

15. Dahabo Suusow Muunye – Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.

16. Osman Ahmed Macow – Deputy Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

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