MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, has been removed from his position in a minor cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
The reshuffle affected several key ministers and comes amid internal disagreements within the administration.
In another significant change, Military General Bashir Mohamed Jama (Goobe), who faced criticism during his tenure as Minister of Women and Human Rights, has been reassigned as Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
This follows public outcry and protests from women’s groups over his take over of the women’s ministry.
Khadija Al-Makhsumi, a Member of Parliament and a wife to Abdikarin Hussein Guled who is a close business partner of President Hassan Sheikh, has been re-assigned to lead the Ministry of Family and Human Rights.
Osman Ahmed Ma’ow has also been named as the State Minister of Energy and Water.
Abdirizak Responds to Dismissal
Following his dismissal, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed issued a detailed statement on social media, citing differences with the government over how to address grievances in his region of Hiiraan and the HirShabelle administration.
“People may wonder why my dismissal occurred now, especially given my close ties with the President. The decision stems from disagreements on resolving the longstanding grievances of the people of Hiiraan toward HirShabelle’s leadership,” Abdirizak said in his statement.
He highlighted disputes dating back to HirShabelle’s formation, including issues surrounding the designation of its capital and parliamentary representation.
While Abdirizak advocated for reconciliation involving elders, religious leaders, and politicians from both regions under HirShabelle, he claimed his approach was rejected by HirShabelle leaders, the intelligence chief, and the President.
“My proposal for a new framework to address these grievances, including reconciliation and discussions on HirShabelle’s future, was not supported. This ultimately led to my removal,” he added.
The reshuffle has sparked widespread debate, with some questioning the timing of Abdirizak’s remarks and their implications for the already fragile political situation in HirShabelle.
Abdirizak also involved in various controversial oil and gas contracts with foreign companies that are yet to be presented to the parliament.