Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre today announced a mini but politically significant Cabinet reshuffle, once again reshaping two of the country’s most critical ministries; namely the Foreign Affairs and Defence, in a move seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance amid complex internal and external pressures.
In Sunday’s changes, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, until now serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has been appointed as Somalia’s new Minister of Defence. Fiqi, a veteran politician and close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is now tasked with managing the country’s critical security sector as Somalia continues its military campaign against Al-Shabaab and undergoes major security transitions, including the phased withdrawal of African Union forces.
His reassignment follows the transfer of Jibril Abdirashid Haji from the Defence portfolio, which he was appointed barely a month ago, highlighting the high demands and political sensitivities surrounding the ministry. Somalia’s Ministry of Defence, central to the country’s stabilization plans, has witnessed multiple leadership changes, with Fiqi becoming the third Defence Minister under Barre’s administration in less than two years.
The last longest-serving Defence Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, widely known as Wasiir TikTok, had provided an unusual stretch of continuity before being replaced during the broader reshuffle that affected the ministries of ports, trade, transport, and youth and sports.
Meanwhile, Abdisalam Abdi Ali has been appointed as Somalia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In October 2024, Abdisalam made history by becoming Somalia’s first-ever second Deputy Prime Minister under the 2012 provisional constitution, marking a significant step in the Barre administration’s broader efforts to restructure executive authority. Before that, he served as Minister of Public Works.
Jibril Abdirashid Haji, the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, has now been appointed as the new second Deputy Prime Minister, effectively returning to the frontlines of Somali governance after his short-lived tenure at Defence.
Political Implications
The reshuffle, announced on Sunday, 27 April 2025, underscores growing political maneuvering within the Somali government as it grapples with intensified security operations, rising regional diplomatic stakes, and the need to maintain fragile political cohesion ahead of crucial national milestones.
Prime Minister Barre appears to be relying more heavily on trusted figures such as Fiqi to steer key ministries at a time when the government is also pushing to expand economic opportunities, particularly following Somalia’s historic move into the oil and gas sector.
Moreover, today’s changes are seen by analysts as a sign of continued efforts to balance internal power dynamics within the governing coalition, where clan allegiances, regional representation, and loyalty to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s broader reform agenda all weigh heavily.
The defence portfolio, in particular, has become increasingly challenging. Somalia is racing against time to strengthen its national forces as the African Union’s AUSSOM mission draws down, and it faces both internal insurgency threats and the complexities of rapidly shifting alliances in the Horn of Africa.
At the diplomatic front, Abdisalam’s appointment to Foreign Affairs comes at a critical time. Somalia’s diplomatic engagements with major powers, reflecting the need for steady and agile leadership.
Somali Stream exclusively reveals that more cabinet changes are expected and is no longer a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’ due to mounting internal and external pressure on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Administration.