Somali prime minister suspends foreign minister

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) – Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble announced Tuesday that he suspended Foreign Minister Abdisaiid Muuse Ali for allegedly releasing a ship carrying illegal charcoal that was detained in Oman.

Roble said he instructed the Office of the National Auditor and security agencies to investigate the issue and give the results to the country’s judicial authorities.

He described the release of the ship as “illegal” and against the nation’s laws and international law.

State media reported that Abdisaid has been suspended for abusing his power.

Experts said relations between Roble and Abdisaid have recently deteriorated.

Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made his fifth appointment since taking office Monday when he appointed Hussein Moalim as his national security adviser.

The appointment will help the new president with his “profound commitment to achieving a safer Somalia,” said a statement by the State House.

Mohamud said the appointment of the new envoy is his part in prioritizing urgently resolving national “climate-driven drought challenges.”