[Baidoa, Somalia] — The Director of the South West State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Sharmarke Mohamed, has announced a significant reshuffling of Director-Generals across key ministries in the state. This move, which is seen as part of routine administrative restructuring, affects leadership at the Ministries of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Ports and Maritime Transport.
According to the announcement:
• Ali Mohamed, the former Director-General at the Ministry of Fisheries, has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
• Mr. Abdullahi Hassan Sidow, who previously served as Director-General at the Ministry of Agriculture, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport.
• Mrs. Salma Mohamud, the former Director-General of the Ministry of Ports, has been moved to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
The reshuffle, according to Mr. Sharmarke Mohamed, is a practice aimed at diversifying the experience of Director-Generals while fostering accountability and efficiency within government ministries. It is seen as an opportunity for senior officials to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to their new roles.
However, the decision has not been without critique. Some observers have raised concerns, suggesting that the reshuffle may have been politically influenced by ministers closely aligned with the South West State President. Critics argue that certain Director-Generals with high levels of engagement and effectiveness might be perceived as threats to the influence of some political figures, leading to campaigns against them.
While the Civil Service Commission defends the move as a standard practice aimed at strengthening governance, these critiques highlight ongoing debates about the intersection of politics and public administration in Somalia’s South West State.
The reshuffle marks a pivotal moment for the affected ministries, as new leadership is expected to tackle key sector challenges, including fisheries management, agricultural development, and maritime transport operations.
