Confusion and disorder in government forced me out-Dr. Qasim

The Minister is the second to resign in a period of one month

Dr. Maryan Qasim cited disorder and confusion in government as reasons for her exit. Screen shot: Goobjoog TV

Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Dr. Maryan Qasim said Wednesday she quit the job following what she termed as ‘confusion and disorder’ in government.

Addressing the media shortly after confirming her resignation to Goobjoog News, Dr. Qasim said she could not put up with the level of ‘confusion and disorderly manner in which the government operates’ but noted she was not in any way opposed to the government.

“I am good at working in a professional way in a department or ministry but one gets confused when the work is done in a wild manner,” said Qasim.

The Minister, a close ally of President Mohamed Farmaajo and chairperson of Farmaajo’s Tayo party said she had decided to go back to the private sector and quit politics.

“I am not opposed to the government but this disorderly working proved hard for me. I have decided to go back for a private job and stay clear from politics.”

Her resignation which is the second in Prime Minister Hassan Khaire’s cabinet comes a month after a deadly truck bombing which her ministry was central in coordination rescue efforts.

She announced this last week the cabinet approval of the National Disaster Management Policy. “The policy provides the legislative framework for embedding disaster management within appropriate structures of the government to strengthen national capacities for effective disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, prevention and recovery, in order to protect lives and livelihoods, property, environment, and the economy at large,” the minister said.

Dr. Qasim’s resignation follows a similar one by defence minister Defense Minister Abdirashid Mohamed October early October. The defense position has not been filled yet.

A former university don, Dr. Qasim served as acting minister of Women’s Development and Family Affairs in Farmaajo’s cabinet in 2010 and was later appointed Social Development Minister Nov 2014 in Abdi Farah Shirdon cabinet. She subsequently served as Health Minister in 2013.

Sources privy to a vote to transfer ONLF senior leader Qalbi Dhaqah to Ethiopia September told Goobjog News Dr. Qasim filed a dissenting opinion as cabinet endorsed the transfer and branding of Qalbi Dhaqax as a terrorist.