MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government is preparing to announce a mini-cabinet reshuffle this week, with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre expected to assign Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the Ministry of Defence, amid an escalating militant advance in the central regions.
The reshuffle, the second change in the defence portfolio within a month, comes amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating security situation as Al-Shabaab militants intensify their offensive. The move would see Fiqi replace Jibril Abdirashid, who only weeks ago succeeded Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur — Somalia’s longest-serving defence minister in decades.
Barre is also considering appointing his deputy as the new foreign minister, sources told Somaliguardian. However, the state minister for foreign affairs — a close confidant of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud — is reportedly lobbying for a nominee with ties to the U.S. Democratic Party, in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with Washington.
In a parallel shake-up, the government is expected to dismiss the current head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Sanbaboloshe. Former director Mahad Salad, who was removed following previous intelligence lapses, is being considered for reinstatement — a move already drawing scrutiny amid intensifying security failures.
The reshuffle is likely to be formally announced on Thursday, though last-minute lobbying continues behind closed doors at Villa Somalia, the seat of the presidency.
Analysts warn that the rapid turnover in key security and foreign affairs posts could further destabilize Somalia’s fragile state institutions at a critical moment in its ongoing fight against insurgency.
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