Former envoy named defense minister, religious affairs minister fired

Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman (C) speaking during a past function. He was named Sunday Defense Minister. Photo: courtesy

Former minister and envoy Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman has been named new defence minister replacing Abdirashid Abdulahi Mohamed who resigned October.

The government announced Sunday the appointment of the new defence minister one a half months since the resignation of Mohamed who exited with chief of defense staff General Mohamed Ahmed Jimale October 12.

Abdirahman served as Energy and Water minister in Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke’s administration which ended early this year with the election of a new government. He was also Somali ambassador to Turkey in 2011.

Amb. Abdirahman was also a former deputy district commissioner and Minister of National Assets and Public Procurement. He is a serving MP from Baidoa.

Meanwhile religious affairs minister Dr. Iiman Abdullahi Ali has fired. Ali will be replaced in acting capacity by State Minister in the same portfolio Abdihakim Hassan Ibrahim, the government said.

Ali’s exit adds to three the number of ministers who have left cabinet since Parliament endorsed it April 1.

Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management minister Dr. Maryan Qassim quit her post November 15 citing confusion and disorder in government. She is yet to be replaced.