Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has appointed Jibril Abdirashid Haji as the new defence minister, replacing his predecessor in a wider cabinet reshuffle.
The shake-up also saw changes in key ministries, including ports, trade, transport, and sports, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, which did not provide further details.
The move comes as government forces and allied militias struggle to contain a renewed offensive by al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants, who seek to overthrow the government and impose their hardline interpretation of Islamic law.