Somali Ministers May Be Forced to Choose Between Cabinet and Parliament Seats Under New Constitution

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Several senior ministers in Somalia’s Federal Government could eventually be required to choose between remaining in Cabinet or keeping their seats in Parliament under provisions contained in the country’s newly amended Constitution.
The requirement stems from constitutional reforms signed into law by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which aim to reinforce the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
Among ministers likely to be affected if the provisions are fully enforced are Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, Planning Minister Mohamoud Abdirahman Beenebeene, Agriculture Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye and Health Minister Ali Haji Adan.
Others include Ports Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh, Communications Minister Mohamed Adam Moalim Ali, Public Works Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali Dhaay, Environment Minister Bashir Mohamed Jama, Women’s Affairs Minister Khadija Mohamed Almakhzumi, Energy Minister Abdullahi Bidhan Warsame, Labour Minister Saalim Ciyow Ibrow and Livestock Minister Hassan Hussein Mohamed.
However, legal and political uncertainty remains over when the new constitutional clauses should take effect.
The current government of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre was formed under Somalia’s previous Provisional Constitution, under which ministers could simultaneously hold parliamentary seats.
As a result, some observers believe the new restrictions may only practically apply after the next general election and the formation of a new government, rather than immediately affecting the current Cabinet.
If implemented right away, the changes could trigger a major reshuffle in both government and Parliament. If delayed until after elections, they would instead shape the structure of Somalia’s next administration.