Saturday June 17, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Puntland regional state President, Said Abdullahi Deni, fired Security Minister Abdisamad Mohamed Gallan and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Abdiweli Hirsi Mire, citing underperformance.
The removal of influential Security Minister Abdisamad Gallan comes when President Deni faces increasing political challenges from former allies.
Last Month, Somalia's semi-autonomous state of Puntland held the first one-person, one-vote elections in more than half a century in the conflict-ridden, fragile Horn of Africa nation, excluding the unrecognized breakaway region of Somaliland, which considers itself as an independent republic.
The former finance minister, known to be a close associate of President Deni, along with military officers, is leading the opposition against the elections in Garowe and two other districts, where the electoral process is yet to commence.
Reports indicate that President Deni's relationship with the outgoing security minister has been strained for some time. Sources also suggest that Deni intends to dismiss additional ministers from his government, aiming to replace them with influential members from their respective clans. This move is believed to align with his election plan and ensure effective implementation.
Last month, the authorities in Puntland issued arrest warrants for four political figures, including former Finance Minister Hassan Shire Abgaal, following their alleged involvement in a violent clash in Garowe. The fatal incident left two army soldiers dead and has heightened existing political tensions in the region.
Former ally Hassan Shire Abgaal had been relieved of his duties during a cabinet reshuffle in mid-September. However, the arrest warrants were subsequently cancelled after intervention by traditional elders.