MOGADISHU, Somalia – For the second time this year, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre is set to reshuffle the cabinet, Garowe Online has learned. The focus of the reshuffle is the strategic Foreign Affairs docket, which oversees the country’s foreign policy.
The minor reshuffle is expected to affect Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs and a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Sources indicate that Fiqi is likely to be moved to the Ministry of Defence.
The Foreign Affairs portfolio is expected to be handed to a Somali-American with close ties to the U.S. Republican Party. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening the federal government’s relations with the Trump administration, sources said.
A political standoff has emerged within the federal government over the appointment of the next foreign minister, with rival factions backing competing candidates.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre supports Abdisalan Ali Abdi, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, for the post. He believes Ali has sufficient experience in foreign affairs to handle the complex role.
Meanwhile, State Minister Ali Omar Balcad, a relative of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and a close confidant, is pushing for an American national with ties to the U.S. Republican Party.
President Donald Trump is reportedly keen to support Somalia in its fight against violent extremism. The U.S. government has been actively assisting Somalia in its ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants.
President Trump recently confirmed a U.S. airstrike in Puntland that killed a senior official associated with the Islamic State group.
The U.S. military also trains the elite Danab Special Forces, who play a crucial role in combating Al-Shabaab insurgents. The Somali government continues its efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab, which maintains a presence in central and southern regions of the country.
HORN LIFE
