MOGADISHU — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has formally dismissed two members of his cabinet who had earlier announced their resignation in protest over federal government policies, underscoring deepening political tensions between Mogadishu and regional administrations.
In a statement released Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office said the move was taken in accordance with Articles 120 and 117 of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, as well as the internal regulations of the Council of Ministers. The statement added that the decision aims to “strengthen and accelerate” the work of the ministries involved.
The dismissed officials are Ismail Shire Jama, State Minister for Petroleum and Minerals, and Asad Abdirisaq Mohamed, State Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation. Both had publicly resigned earlier this month, citing opposition to recently approved constitutional amendments and what they described as federal interference in the autonomy of regional states.
Their resignations placed them among a group of federal lawmakers critical of the government’s approach to constitutional reforms and election planning. The two ministers were also part of delegations that traveled to Garowe and Kismayo, where they expressed support for regional administrations in Puntland and Jubbaland.
Analysts say the dismissals reflect widening divisions between Somalia’s federal leadership and several federal member states, including Southwest State, over the direction of constitutional reforms and the framework for upcoming national and regional elections.
In recent weeks, several state and deputy ministers associated with these regions have stepped down, signaling growing dissatisfaction within Somalia’s federal system. The dispute centers on power-sharing arrangements, electoral processes, and the balance of authority between the central government and regional states.
Officials familiar with the matter said the prime minister is expected to appoint replacements within 24 hours to ensure continuity in government operations.
The developments come at a critical time for Somalia, as the country navigates sensitive political negotiations while also confronting persistent security threats and working to stabilize its federal governance structure.
