Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has carried out a mini reshuffling of his cabinet.
Prime Minister Barre dismissed Petroleum Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Dahir Shire Mohamed has been appointed as the new Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
Additionally, the reshuffle involved the swapping of positions between two other ministers.
First, Khadija Al-Makhzoumi has been appointed as the Minister of Family and Human Rights, replacing General Bashir Mohamed Jama Goobe.
General Goobe has been reassigned as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
These changes are part of the Prime Minister’s efforts to streamline government operations and address critical sectors such as energy and environmental management.
Following his dismissal, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed issued a statement attributing his removal to political differences over addressing grievances in the Hiiraan region, his hometown.
He emphasized his close relationship with the President but noted disagreements on resolving issues related to the HirShabelle State.
This reshuffle has sparked discussions about the future direction of Somalia’s oil and gas exploration initiatives, especially considering the recent cooperation agreements with foreign entities.