Somalia PM fires finance minister, makes minor cabinet reshuffle

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has initiated the first reshuffle in his cabinet, almost a year after its selection, in what could have been inspired by recent misunderstandings in the finance department which led to the dismissal of the Minister for Finance.

Saturday's changes saw Bihi Iman Ige take over Treasury from Elmi Nur even as the country continues to push for debt relief and stabilization of the economy which has been in shambles for the last three decades. Somalia has been struggling with instability for the last three decades.

Recently, Nur suspended two senior officials in the Treasury who were implicated in alleged mismanagement and lack of cooperation but were later reinstated under unclear circumstances. It is not clear if his dismissal is related in any way to the suspension. 

Bihi's former Labour and Social affairs docket will be taken by Mohamed Elmi Ibrahim while Abukar Jeilani Sheikh will handle Religious Endowment and Mohamed Nur Aliyow will take over Internal Affairs. Usually, the Prime Minister is in charge of such changes in government but in consultation with the president.

Since his appointment, Hamza Abdi Barre has closely worked with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who is fighting to reform the country's security and economy. The International Money Fund [IMF] and World Bank have recently lauded Somalia for milestones made in revamping the country's economy.

But even as the stabilization of the economy continues, deliberate efforts have been put in place to fight Al-Shabaab militants through a coordinated military campaign across the country. In the next few weeks, the second phase of operations against the group will kick off in Jubaland and Southwest states.

Also, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has emphasized fighting the group through an ideological approach with preaching against violent extremism being on his agenda. Also, the government is fighting hard to block Al-Shabaab's revenue sources across the country.

In the past, cabinet changes have been emotive, even degenerating into political fights in the executive but Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has closely held his administration without conflicts. The country is also intending to scrap the premier post for the executive office of the president.

GAROWE ONLINE