Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed Abdihakim Mohamed Yusuf as the new Chief of Staff at Villa Somalia. Mr Yusuf previously served as a political advisor to the President. The former Director General, Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, stepped down after reports accused him of maintaining ties with al-Shabaab.
Mogadishu, SOMALIA. By Jama:
The government stated, “Mr Yusuf brings over 20 years of experience in developing government institutions, promoting good governance, strengthening states and communities affected by conflict, and protecting human rights.”
Mr Yusuf expressed his commitment, saying, “I will endeavour to continue serving Somalia with great energy and purpose as we progress towards many developmental milestones going forward as a nation.” He further underlined that it is a great honour and privilege for him to become the new Chief of Staff.
Former Chief of Staff accused of al-Shabaab ties
This appointment follows the resignation of the previous Director General, Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, who stepped down last Sunday. Mr Mohamud faced accusations of maintaining ties with al-Shabaab, although he did not reference this matter in his resignation tweet from 13 August. Instead, he hinted at seeking the leadership of the Southwest State of Somalia.
Mr Mohamud claimed that his resignation was driven by “an evolving earnestness of the situation in the Southwest State of Somalia.” He further stated that he followed “the advice of the public and politicians from the [Southwest] state,” acknowledging that it is “substantial to put extra time into working on the interest of Southwest State and its people…”
Eyeing the SWS presidency?
Analysts speculate that Mr Mohamud’s resignation might strategically position him for a potential candidacy in the upcoming regional election in the Southwest State.
The Somali government halted the investigation of Mohamud’s alleged ties to al-Shabaab due to the humiliating nature of the affair. If true, it would mean that al-Shabaab has been informed about the developments in the top levels of Somali politics. Despite the absence of direct evidence linking Mohamud to cooperation with or membership in the militant group, the President had to ask him to resign.
Read also: Baidoa’s siege continues unabated
