Tuesday April 29, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has congratulated Abdisalam Abdi Ali on his appointment as Somalia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Dr. Gebeyehu also extended appreciation to former Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi for his dedicated service in strengthening Somalia’s engagement with IGAD and wished him success in his new role as Minister of Defense.

The congratulations follow a major cabinet reshuffle announced by Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre as the government seeks to bolster leadership amid mounting political and security challenges.

As part of the reshuffle, politician Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi was appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister. He previously served as Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Minister of Defense.

Abdisalam Abdi Ali, who replaces Fiqi as Foreign Minister, brings significant experience, having previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works.

Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, a former head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and former Minister of Interior, will now oversee the Ministry of Defense. Fiqi also served as Somalia’s Ambassador to Sudan during his diplomatic career.