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Friday August 23, 2024
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FILE - Somalia's representative participates in a session at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2022) on July 13, 2022, in New York. The forum focuses on reviewing progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHOTO/ IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth.
Mogadishu (HOL) — A power struggle within Somalia’s Ministry of Planning has escalated following the dismissal of Sharmarke Mohamed Farah, the Director-General of the National Statistics Agency. The dismissal, endorsed by the Minister of Planning and supported by a unanimous decision from the National Statistics Board, was based on performance issues under Farah's leadership. The Board cited Article 21, Clause B, of the National Statistics Law to justify the action, stating that new leadership was needed to revitalize the agency’s operations.
However, the decision has intensified a conflict within the Ministry. The Deputy Minister of Planning, who has been at odds with the Minister, challenged the dismissal as illegal and has attempted to reverse it. He has instructed Farah to continue his duties despite the official order, deepening the rift between the Ministry’s top officials.
The internal discord has raised serious concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the Ministry of Planning, which plays a crucial role in managing Somalia's statistical data—a key resource for national planning and development. The disruption in leadership could have significant implications for the accuracy and reliability of the country's statistics.
As the dispute threatens to destabilize the Ministry, the issue has been brought to the attention of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who is expected to intervene to resolve the crisis.