Somalia's prime minister appoints new defence minister in reshuffle
MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, reshuffled his government on Sunday, appointing a new defence minister as his government tries to stem an Islamist insurgency.
Barre did not give a reason for the reshuffle, which was read out by the government spokesperson in a video posted on the government's Facebook account.
Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, who previously served as foreign minister and national security chief, was appointed defence minister, replacing Jibril Abdirashid.
Barre also appointed a new second deputy prime minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, and a new foreign minister, Abdisaalan Abdi Ali Daay.
The appointment of a new defence minister comes as the government struggles to halt recent gains by al Shabaab in an offensive by the al Qaeda-allied group.
Al Shabaab briefly captured villages within 50 km (30 miles) of Mogadishu, raising fears that the city could be targeted.
Somali forces have since recaptured those villages but al Shabaab has continued to advance in the countryside, as the future of international security support to Somalia appears increasingly precarious.
The group has been waging an insurgency since 2007, aiming to topple the government and establish its own rule based on a strict interpretation of sharia law.
(Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Giles Elgood)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Romanian deputy PM resigns after bribery case resurfaces
BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian deputy prime minister Dragos Anastasiu resigned on Sunday after an old corruption scandal in which he was involved as a witness resurfaced at a time when the one-month-old coalition government is trying to enforce cost-cutting reforms. Anastasiu had been tasked by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan with overseeing the reform of state-owned companies, part of broader efforts to reduce the largest budget deficit in the European Union and root out waste and inefficiency. Last week, an old corruption case revealed that one of Anastasiu's firms had been blackmailed by a tax authority inspector into paying bribes disguised as consultancy fees for eight years from 2009 or risk lengthy inspections. The company later denounced the inspector, who was convicted in 2023. Anastasiu and his business partner were never charged with a crime. Anastasiu said his company had paid all its taxes and the bribes were "for survival, not profit". "I encourage every entrepreneur to speak out and say under what conditions business has been done in Romania and no longer accept what we did while making mistakes," he told reporters on Sunday. The government, which will hike several taxes from August and is laying off staff and cutting bonuses, has already faced several street protests but has narrowly avoided a ratings downgrade from the lowest rung of investment grade. The European Union and NATO state has been rocked by political instability in the wake of a presidential election, which was cancelled in December and re-run in May, with market turmoil boosting borrowing costs and crashing the leu currency. (Reporting by Luiza Ilie; editing by Giles Elgood)
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
UMNO Must Lead Digital Narrative, Reach Youth To Stay Relevant– Zambry
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- UMNO must lead in shaping the digital narrative, strengthen its presence on new media and engage young voters to remain relevant, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said today. He said politics has entered the digital era in which information, perceptions and sentiments are rapidly shaped through social media and online platforms. 'This new challenge requires UMNO to adopt fresher, more flexible and pragmatic approaches. We cannot remain bound by the old ways,' he said in a Facebook post.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Strive for change to the best of one's ability, Anwar reminds PKR members
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members to hold firmly to the call for islah mastata'tum, meaning to strive for change to the best of one's ability. Anwar, who is also PKR president, said this during a meeting with Federal Territories PKR members in Putrajaya today. "We may not be able to achieve everything in the blink of an eye, but we will continue to advance the reform agenda step by step," he said in a Facebook post. He said the Federal Territories have long stood as one of the strongholds of PKR's struggle, but the party's strength would only be meaningful if it continued to be grounded in core values and grassroots efforts. "Divisions must remain active through programmes that truly engage with the people, regardless of race, age or background," he said. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said that in charting the path forward, criticisms and reminders must be welcomed in the spirit of the struggle. "I thank all who gathered (for the rally in the federal capital) yesterday as it was conducted peacefully. "I am always open to criticism and feedback, although I'm slightly disappointed that no substantive issues were raised. "All we heard was one chant: "Turunkan Anwar" (Step down, Anwar)." "The Opposition Leader is said to be planning to table a motion of no confidence. By all means. "This is a democracy. It is a legitimate process. "If there are sufficient numbers, just bring it to parliament," he said. The prime minister added that he has never claimed the Madani government is perfect, nor is he arrogant about correcting its shortcomings. "What is lacking, we will improve. What remains unresolved, we will continue to work on. "But reform must be implemented in phases so that it can be accepted, understood, and sustained," he said. He said the government has also taken bold and rational steps to ensure that the nation's funds benefit the majority and help ease cost-of-living pressures, without compromising the country's economic fundamentals. "We reduced the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 for Malaysians by removing subsidies for foreigners. "Ultimately, PKR must remain a party of the future, a party open to criticism, mature in its actions, and united in purpose. "We are not perfect. But we are sincere. "And as long as there is sincerity and the will to improve, we will continue to move forward beyond those who only know how to shout without direction or solutions," he said. – Bernama
