Somali PM dismisses ministers who resigned over federal policies

Mogadishu (SWW) — Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has formally dismissed two state ministers who had already announced their resignations earlier this month in protest against the federal government’s policies toward regional states. In a statement issued Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office said the decision was made in accordance with Articles 120 and 117 of the Provisional Constitution, as well as the internal regulations of the Council of Ministers. The statement noted that the move was intended to “strengthen and accelerate” the work of the respective ministries. The officials removed from their posts are Ismail Shire Jama, State Minister for Petroleum and Minerals, and Asad Abdirisaq Mohamed, State Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation. Both had resigned in early March, aligning themselves with lawmakers who opposed recently approved constitutional amendments and what they described as federal interference in regional state affairs. The two ministers were also among the MPs who traveled to Garowe and Kismayo, where they publicly expressed support for the Puntland and Jubbaland administrations. According to officials familiar with the matter, the Prime Minister is expected to appoint replacements within the next 24 hours. Their dismissal comes amid escalating political tensions between the federal government and several federal member states. In recent weeks, multiple state and deputy ministers representing Puntland, Jubbaland, and Southwest have stepped down as disputes intensified over constitutional revisions and the framework for upcoming federal and regional elections.