Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, announced a major government reshuffle on Sunday, appointing new leadership in key positions as the country faces mounting pressure from al-Shabaab insurgents.
In a statement delivered through a government spokesperson via an online video, Barre named Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed — a former foreign minister and national security chief — as the new defence minister, replacing Jibril Abdirashid. Additionally, Abdisaalan Abdi Ali Daay was appointed as the new foreign minister, while Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi was named second deputy prime minister.
Although no official reason was given for the reshuffle, it comes as Somali forces continue to battle a resurgent al-Shabaab. The al-Qaeda-linked group has recently advanced in rural areas and even briefly seized villages located just 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the capital, Mogadishu, raising alarm over the city’s security.
While government troops have since recaptured the villages, the broader situation in the countryside remains volatile. The reshuffle also comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of international security assistance to Somalia.
Al-Shabaab has waged an armed insurgency since 2007, seeking to overthrow the Somali government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.