Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has dismissed two members of his government, removing the State Minister for Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing and the Deputy Minister for Ports and Marine Transport from their positions with immediate effect.
The two officials affected are Said Mohamed Mohamud, popularly known as Hayd, and Fartun Abdikadir Farah, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.
Mohamud served as the State Minister for Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, while Farah held the position of Deputy Minister for Ports and Marine Transport.
The statement did not disclose specific reasons behind their removal but said the Prime Minister had acted in accordance with Articles 117 and 120 of the Constitution.
Barre’s office said the decision was guided by principles of transparency, accountability and good governance, as well as the need to ensure the smooth running of the two ministries.
The dismissals took effect immediately after the Prime Minister signed the order, according to the statement.
Article 120 of the amended Constitution outlines the Prime Minister’s powers, including directing and holding members of the Cabinet accountable, while Article 117 sets out requirements for membership of the Cabinet.
The announcement did not indicate whether the two positions would be filled immediately or whether replacements had already been identified.