Somalia: Defense Minister, SNA Chief quit amid surge in attacks

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's Defense Minister, Abdirashid Abdullahi Mohamed and army chief have announced their sudden resignations on Thursday, October 12, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking to the local Media in Mogadishu, the Federal Minister of Information, Eng Abdirahman Yarisow has confirmed the resignations of the two government officials, citing personal reasons.

He said the cabinet Ministers accepted Mohamed's resignation during their weekly meeting in the Presidential Palace, Villa Somalia, that was presided over by the deputy PM, Mahdi Mohamed Guled.

Reliable sources revealed to GO that the Minister stepped down due to lack of consultations by the Somali PM, Hassan Ali Khaire with him on the key issue affecting his Ministry and foreign aid to the military.

The SNA Chief quit over a deadly clash between military and Intelligence officers in Mogadishu in July and the latest Al Shabaab raid on army bases in Bariire, 60Km southwest of Mogadishu that left many soldiers dead.

General Abdiweli Jama Hussein known as (Gorad) has been immediately appointed as the new Somali army chief, replacing Irfid, who has been in power since last April.

Some reports also suggest that the Defense Minister and Irfid did not have a good collaboration and were forced to quit. This comes amid a surge in attacks by Al Shabaab militants over the past few months.

Other sources told Garowe Online that the countries supporting Somalia in the rebuilding of its national army and the fight against Al Shabaab complained about the Defense Minister and the army chief.

Mohamed, a former humanitarian worker with no knowledge and skills in the military affairs, while the army commander was reluctant the army reform and against plans to integrate regional forces.
This story has been updated at 11:12 p.m. (Local time).