Somalia Health Ministry Freezes Staff Changes Pending Civil Service Reform

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Human Services has directed its institutions to suspend administrative changes affecting staff positions while the government finalises procedures for implementing a new civil service reform framework.

In a letter dated 20 September 2026, Health Minister Dr Ali Haji Adam Abubakar instructed hospitals, departments, agencies and other bodies under the ministry to refrain from taking administrative measures that could disrupt the implementation of the reform process.

The directive covers the removal, replacement or transfer of officials, as well as new appointments that could affect the existing structure of government employment.

The ministry said the instruction follows an order issued by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on 17 September, concerning the implementation of the government’s civil service reform arrangements.

The ministry has asked institutions to maintain the existing administrative structure until formal procedures and guidance governing the reform are issued.

It specifically called on officials to ensure that the current status of staff and positions is maintained and to avoid decisions affecting appointments, positions and the structure of government employees.

The ministry said any administrative action deemed necessary must first receive approval from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, allowing the ministry to ensure that such decisions comply with the Prime Minister’s directive and the relevant government regulations.

Officials have also been asked to report any cases requiring urgent administrative action and to ensure that implementation of the directive is not delayed.

The instruction comes days after the Prime Minister directed the Civil Service Commission to begin a merit-based assessment of senior civil service positions, starting with departmental directors from 20 September.

That process is intended to assess officials on criteria including competence, knowledge, experience, leadership and performance, as part of wider efforts to strengthen Somalia’s public administration.

The Health Ministry’s latest directive effectively places a hold on changes that could affect the existing staffing structure while the government establishes the procedures for implementing the broader civil service reforms.