Somalia: Wrangle delays Puntland cabinet reshuffle

GAROWE, Somalia, June 13, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Imminent cabinet reshuffle spawned a week-long wrangle between Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar Amey according to well-informed sources who talked to Garowe Online.

President Ali is planning to announce the ministerial overhaul for the first time since being elected to the post in tightly contested regional elections in January, 2014 prior to June 15, when 35^th parliamentary session will be convened.

Ahead of the cabinet reshuffle, Analysts say-Ali whose first year in office was marred by surge in Al Shabaab attacks and ailing economy-wants to allay his sagging support.

On the nominees list and Struggle for cabinet posts

Ali and the Vice President disagreed on the status of former Somaliland Public Works and Housing Minister Ahmed Abdi Habsade in the forthcoming lineup. Presidency sources told GO that Ali favors to bring Habsade aboard, making him the first politician to serve with two arch rivals in two years.

Despite, accused of handing over Lasanod to Somaliland in October 2007, Habsado eyes boost of his political leverage.

Amey strongly contested the decision to nominate Habsade, exposing speculations that influential Dhulbahante sub-clan wants that Habsade be delisted from the lineup.

The shakeup is likely to affect Finance Ministry, however sources close to the latest developments confirmed to GO that the current Minister Shire Haji Farah and former businessman rebuffed to be assigned to another ministry, more probably with a portfolio as Minister of Fisheries and Ports.

At least three politicians including former presidential contender have been picked favorite for the finance ministry which has been a source for allegations of incompetence and lavishing.  

Two heavyweights in the current cabinet-Education Minister Ali Haji Warsame and Health Minister Dr. Sadik Enow-will reportedly be sidelined.

Warsame will be succeeded by another man whose name has not been revealed yet while the clan, from which Enow comes, wants to retain the post.

The second deputy speaker of Parliament Hussein Yasin Dirie opposes the sacking of State Minister for International Cooperation Ahmed Ibrahim Awale.

If announced, the reshuffle will come at a time when economy is plummeting and Puntland Defence Forces are pushing back Al Shabaab militants at closer range than never before. 

GAROWE ONLINE