MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly made a secret trip to Nairobi, Kenya, before traveling to Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday, the Horn Observer has learnt.

This development coincides with reports of an imminent cabinet reshuffle targeting key ministers and the security sector, as the president faces escalating political and legal challenges.

Arrest Warrant Issued

On Wednesday, a judge in Kismayo, Jubaland, issued an arrest warrant against President Mohamud, citing charges including constitutional violations, undermining national unity, collaboration with Al-Shabaab, trafficking illicit weapons, unlawful killings of civilians, embezzlement of public funds, land grabbing, incitement of armed revolts, and crimes against humanity. 

These accusations mark an unprecedented escalation of tensions between the federal government and regional administrations.

The Kismayo judge’s action follows an earlier warrant issued in Mogadishu against Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, whose recent re-election has been rejected by the federal government, further deepening the rift.

Planned Cabinet Reshuffle

President Mohamud is reportedly planning a mini cabinet reshuffle aimed at consolidating power and addressing emerging threats from rival regional states, specially Puntland and Jubaland. 

Insiders indicate significant changes are anticipated in the security and foreign affairs portfolios.

National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA):  The current intelligence chief, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbalolshe), is expected to be replaced. Sanbalolshe, a close ally of the president from the same clan as president Mohamud’s mother, is rumored to be eyeing a leadership role in Hirshabelle State, where Mogadishu seeks to implement regime change ahead of regional elections. 

Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the current Foreign Affairs Minister, is speculated to take over NISA leadership despite allegations of past ties to Al-Shabaab and involvement in human trafficking.

Foreign Affairs Ministry:  Guled Salah, a Puntland native and former head of the Transitional Puntland Electoral Committee, is the rumored frontrunner for this position. His selection is reportedly influenced by his rivalry with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni. However, Guled has faced accusations of inciting clan conflict in Garowe in May 2023, leading to civilian and police casualties.

Internal Security and Defense Ministries:  The Internal Security Minister, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, is expected to be reassigned to the Ministry of Interior. Meanwhile, former NISA director Mahad Mohamed Salad, removed in April over human rights violation allegations, is reportedly set to assume the defense portfolio. 

Intelligence sources highlight Salad’s alleged ties to Al-Shabaab intelligence chief Mahad Abdirahman Warsame (Karate).

Defense Minister Reassignment:  The current Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jama), a former Al-Shabaab defector with close ties to Turkey and the UAE, is likely to be reassigned to the Ministry of Internal Security. This move is said to be influenced by General Odowa Rage, the military chief, who reportedly distrusts Jama as minister of defense.

President Mohamud’s reshuffle appears designed to consolidate power and mitigate challenges posed by regional rivals and internal dissent. Analysts suggest these moves aim to secure Mohamud’s dominance in a potential shift to “one person, one vote” elections, avoiding indirect electoral processes as his term nears its 2026 end. 

Opposition MPs, including those from the president’s own Hawiye clan, have expressed concerns over these maneuvers, calling them attempts to prolong his rule under the guise of electoral reform.

The unfolding situation underscores deepening divisions within Somalia’s political landscape, as federal-state tensions and internal power struggles threaten national stability.