Somali defence minister hands over office after three-week delay

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Sunday presided over the long-delayed handover ceremony between incoming Defence Minister Jibriil Abdirashid Haji Abdi and his predecessor, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jama), nearly three weeks after a cabinet reshuffle that reassigned Jama to the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport.

Unlike other ministers who swiftly transitioned following the reshuffle, Jama delayed the handover, fuelling speculation of internal disagreements. Local media reports suggested the delay stemmed from tensions surrounding his reassignment, with some claims alleging that international partners, particularly the United States, had expressed dissatisfaction with Jama’s tenure.

However, Jama is known to have strong ties with Türkiye and even accompanied President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on a recent visit to Ankara, despite already being replaced at the time.

During the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Hamza underscored the significance of the Ministry of Defence, particularly as the country continues its campaign against Al-Shabaab. He thanked the outgoing minister for his service and expressed confidence in the new minister.

Jama, who faced criticism during his term over alleged corruption and security setbacks, had previously defended his record in a post on social media, citing the training of over 20,000 soldiers, the equipping of the Somali National Army, and the 10-year defence cooperation agreement signed with Türkiye in February, which he described as “the happiest moment” of his life.

The new Defence Minister Jibriil Abdirashid Haji Abdi assumes office at a time of heightened security challenges, including intensified Al-Shabaab guerrilla attacks and ongoing military operations across the country.