New defense minister appointed in Somalia as Al-Shabaab advances

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reshuffled his cabinet on Sunday, announcing key changes aimed at bolstering the country’s defense efforts as it faces mounting pressure from Islamist militants.

The changes, which include the appointment of a new defense minister, come amid growing concerns over Al-Shabaab’s continued territorial gains in the region.

The reshuffle, which was announced through a government spokesperson in a video shared on Facebook, saw Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed appointed as the new defense minister.

Fiqi, who previously served as the country’s foreign minister and national security chief, takes over from Jibril Abdirashid.

The decision to replace the defense minister comes at a critical time, as the Somali government seeks to regain ground in the battle against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

In addition to the new defense minister, Prime Minister Barre made other significant changes to his government.

Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi was named the second deputy prime minister, while Abdisaalan Abdi Ali Daay was appointed as the new foreign minister.

These changes come as the government confronts a growing insurgency, with Al-Shabaab briefly capturing villages within 50 kilometers of the capital, Mogadishu.

Despite efforts by Somali forces to reclaim these areas, Al-Shabaab has continued its advances in rural regions, raising concerns about the future of security in the country.

The insurgency, which has been ongoing since 2007, seeks to overthrow the Somali government and establish a state based on a strict interpretation of sharia law.

The situation remains tense as Somalia navigates its fight against the militant group and considers the future of international security support.

The reshuffle of key government positions signals the government's attempt to strengthen its defense and national security apparatus in the face of mounting challenges.