Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi dismisses Petroleum Minister in cabinet reshuffle
By Hassan Mohamed |
The reshuffle marks a significant shift in Somalia’s government, raising questions about the future direction of its oil and gas exploration initiatives amid ongoing political tensions.
Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Sunday dismissed Petroleum Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a cabinet reshuffle that also saw two other ministers swap portfolios in the latest restructuring of his government.
Dahir Shire Mohamed has been appointed to replace the sacked Abdirizak as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
Keep reading
- New Mogadishu Mayor plans to hold first civic elections next year
- Somalia takes over leadership of East African Standby Force from Rwanda
- Somalia and Tanzania sign landmark agreements to strengthen bilateral relations
- Eastleigh Business Community members attend launch of Somalia’s $3.5 billion project
General Bashir Mohamed Jama "Goobe" has been named the new Minister of Environment and Climate Change, swapping positions with Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, who now assumes the Women and Family Affairs portfolio. Additionally, Osman Ahmed Ma’ow has been appointed as State Minister of Energy and Water in this latest mini reshuffle.
“In a circular issued by the Prime Minister, Dahir Shire Mohamed is appointed Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in the Federal Government of Somalia. The Prime Minister has also swapped the Ministers of Family Affairs and Human Rights and Climate Change,” read a statement issued by the Communications Office of the Prime Minister.
Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
Dismissal of Petroleum Minister
The dismissal of Abdirizak, who oversaw Somalia’s oil exploration efforts, has come as a surprise to many, as he was perceived to be a close confidant of President Hassan. His removal follows the backdrop of a Turkish-led oil exploration initiative in Somalia.
Shortly after his dismissal, Abdirizak took to Facebook to address the situation, acknowledging his close relationship with the President while attributing his sacking to political differences over the Hiiran region, his hometown.
“People might be wondering why I have been sacked now when many believed I was very close to the President. It is true that I am a close ally of the President, but my sacking is related to political differences over how to address the grievances of the people of the Hiiran region, who are at odds with Hirshabelle State,” Abdirizak said in his post.
His remarks reference a longstanding dispute between parts of the Hiiran region and the leadership of Hirshabelle State. The state’s leadership, based in Jowhar, the current administrative capital, has faced resistance in certain areas of Hiiran since the tenure of former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. This has resulted in parts of Hiiran becoming inaccessible to Hirshabelle authorities.
Somalia’s Oil Prospects
Somalia is believed to have significant untapped oil and gas reserves, with the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) estimating the country may hold at least 30 billion barrels of oil and gas reserves.
In March 2024, Somalia and Turkey signed a cooperation agreement focused on the exploration and development of offshore oil and natural gas resources. In October 2024, the Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis arrived in Somalia to conduct seismic surveys for oil and natural gas.
Abdirizak played a key role in these agreements, signing the cooperation accord on behalf of Somalia as Petroleum Minister alongside Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
