Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has appointed two new Directors-General to key federal ministries, a move that comes amid ongoing political debate over the authority and process of appointing senior government officials during the transitional period.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the appointments are intended to strengthen the administration of the ministries and ensure the continued delivery of government services.
Abdullahi Ibrahim Abdi was named Director-General of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, while Ahmed Yusuf Abdulle was appointed Director-General of the Ministry of Communications and Technology.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the appointments were made in accordance with Article 119(d) of the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Hamza urged the newly appointed officials to carry out their duties with professionalism, transparency, and commitment, while accelerating the work of their respective ministries.
The appointments come at a time of heightened political discussion over the government’s authority to fill senior public positions.
In recent months, disagreements emerged between the executive branch and the House of the People regarding the procedures used to appoint senior officials.
Prime Minister Hamza had previously introduced a policy promoting competitive recruitment for certain government positions, emphasizing qualifications, experience, merit, and open competition.
However, the House of the People later overturned that directive, triggering debate over the division of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
The latest appointments are likely to be viewed within that broader political context, with attention focused on how lawmakers and other political stakeholders will respond.
The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources oversees policies related to energy development, water management, and other essential infrastructure sectors, while the Ministry of Communications and Technology plays a central role in telecommunications, digital services, technology development, and government modernization efforts.
As a result, the two newly appointed Directors-General are expected to assume significant administrative responsibilities in managing and coordinating the work of their ministries.
While the government has defended the appointments as necessary administrative measures to ensure continuity and efficiency, critics may question the timing and scope of such decisions given the ongoing political debate surrounding the powers of the caretaker government.
For now, attention is focused on whether Parliament or other state institutions will formally respond to the appointments, as the broader discussion over government authority and institutional powers continues.