Mekelle, February 16, 2025 (Tigray Herald)
Is Political Turmoil Looming for the Somali Region?
President Mustafa Muhumed Omar of the Somali Regional State (SRS) has carried out a sudden cabinet reshuffle, sparking speculation about a deepening power struggle within the regional government and the ruling Somali Regional Prosperity Party (SRPP).
The abrupt changes, announced today, have raised concerns among observers about the stability of the strategically important region.
Sources close to the president’s office, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, attribute the cabinet changes to escalating tensions between President Mustafa and the SRPP leadership.
The reshuffle involved significant changes in key ministerial portfolios, including the replacement of regional ministers of finance and security. The regional PP political head, along with water and education bureau heads, were replaced. While official explanations have not been provided, sources suggest the changes are linked to the power struggle between President Mustafa and the SRPP leadership.
The move is seen by some as a strategic maneuver by the president to consolidate his power base and potentially sideline his political adversaries within the party.
The Somali Region, which borders Somalia and Kenya, has a complex history and is crucial to Ethiopia’s stability. The region has been affected by political, security, and humanitarian issues, making this political division particularly concerning. This development coincides with ongoing civil conflict in other Ethiopian regions, adding to the sense of unease.
The Ethiopian federal government has remained largely silent on the recent developments, but sources close to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed indicate that he is closely monitoring the situation and carefully assessing the potential political repercussions.
The Somali Region’s future is imperiled. The confluence of external al-Shabaab and ISIS threats and internal instability necessitates immediate national attention. Failure to act risks escalation, leaving the region and its people vulnerable.
Source,Jigjiga Mirror
