MOGADISHU — The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia held an extraordinary session on Monday, approving the appointment of the new Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency.
The session, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, approved Hussein Kasim Yusuf for the position following a nomination submitted by the Ministry of Internal Security.
Security Briefings Presented to Cabinet
During the meeting, the council received detailed briefings on national security and ongoing military operations. Reports focused on counter-terrorism efforts and the progress of Somali National Army operations aimed at eliminating Al-Shabaab militants from various regions across the country.
The cabinet also discussed environmental matters, including reforestation initiatives and efforts to combat the severe drought conditions affecting many communities.
General Pardon Regulation Approved
The Council of Ministers approved the General Pardon Regulation, a legal framework submitted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The regulation is designed to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who renounce extremist ideology and surrender to government authorities.
The Federal Government has previously outlined comprehensive rehabilitation plans for Al-Shabaab defectors, offering amnesty and reintegration support to those who voluntarily surrender and reject violence.
The government has consistently maintained that reconciliation and rehabilitation remain key components of its counter-terrorism strategy, alongside military pressure on militant strongholds.
Ambassadorial Rank Conferred
In a final resolution, the Council of Ministers conferred the rank of Ambassador upon Nur Mohamed Sheikh, following a nomination submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The elevation recognizes his diplomatic service and contributions to Somalia’s foreign policy objectives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively strengthening Somalia’s diplomatic presence across the continent and beyond.
Ongoing Government Reforms
The cabinet’s decisions reflect the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to institutional reform, security sector development, and the establishment of legal frameworks that support national reconciliation and stability.
The Council of Ministers has previously approved landmark legislation to reinforce national governance frameworks and security architecture, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to building effective state institutions capable of delivering services and maintaining stability.
The government continues to prioritize security sector reforms, judicial enhancements, and governance improvements as part of its broader strategy to achieve lasting peace and development across the country.
