Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Cabinet has appointed Gen. Asad Osman Abdullahi as the new Somali Police Force Commissioner during its weekly meeting on Thursday, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Internal Security.

Gen. Asad, who replaces Sulub Ahmed Firin, previously served as the Puntland Security Force (PSF) Commander from 2007 to 2018, bringing extensive experience in military and security affairs.

Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail ‘Fartaag’ proposed Gen. Asad’s appointment to the cabinet, thanking them for their approval.

“I appreciate the cabinet for endorsing the Ministry’s proposal of naming Asad Osman Abdullahi as the Police Force Commissioner. This move aims to accelerate the nation’s security. I also thank the former chief for his accomplishments in maintaining security,” said Fartaag.

He welcomed the new commissioner, praising his expertise and knowledge regarding to the Security.

Gen. Asad has twice run for the presidency of Puntland, in 2018 and 2024, but was defeated both times by Said Abdullahi Deni, the current president of Puntland.

The appointment of Gen. Asad as Police Commissioner raises questions about its impact on Puntland’s position, particularly as President Deni has recently called for federal talks.

Critics claim that the new Police Commissioner, along with two recently appointed senior advisors—Ahmed Jama Mohamed Ilal for Democracy and Good Governance, and Abdisamad Mohamed Gallan for Federal Affairs—are seen as political opponents of President Deni.

This development, critics argue, could deepen tensions between the Federal Government and Puntland State.

The appointment comes as the National Consultative Council meeting, initially scheduled for yesterday, was postponed due to undisclosed reasons and the refusal of some federal member states to participate.