Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has announced the dismissal of two members of his cabinet, including a state minister and a deputy minister. The move, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance, was announced on Wednesday. Said Mohamed Mahmoud, state minister at the Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, and Fartun Abdulkadir Farah, deputy minister at the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, have been relieved of their duties.
According to a statement from the prime minister's office, Barre approved the decision after reviewing provisions of Somalia's federal constitution, including Articles 117 and 120, as well as the rules governing the Council of Ministers and other relevant laws and regulations. The statement said the decision was taken to safeguard the smooth functioning of the two ministries and ensure effective delivery of their responsibilities.
The dismissals were guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, the statement added. The decision takes effect from November 4, 2026, and became legally effective upon the prime minister's signature. The announcement did not provide specific reasons for the removal of the two officials or indicate whether replacements would be appointed immediately.
The move comes as Somalia's federal government continues efforts to strengthen the performance of public institutions and improve the administration of government ministries. Barre has served as prime minister since June 2022 and oversees a cabinet responsible for implementing the federal government's policies amid continuing security, economic, and political challenges.
The latest dismissals represent a change in the leadership of two government ministries, although the government did not announce any broader cabinet restructuring. The Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, and the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport will now be led by existing officials until new appointments are made.
Somalia's federal government has been working to improve governance and institutional performance. The government has implemented various reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the public sector. The dismissal of the two officials is seen as part of these efforts.
The prime minister's office has not provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the removal of the two officials. The government is expected to provide more information on the appointments of new officials to the two ministries in the coming days.
Key points
- The decision was guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
- The dismissals took effect from November 4, 2026.
- The move is part of Somalia's federal government efforts to strengthen public institutions.
