Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)- Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, currently in New York for the UN General Assembly, has appointed Sulub Ahmed Firin, the former Police Force Commissioner, as the new Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation.

This decision follows just hours after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud promoted Firin to the rank of Major General in a ceremony at the Police Command in Mogadishu.

The move indicates a shift in the leadership of the Somali Police Force, with Asad Osman Abdullahi (Diyaano) expected to take over as the new Commissioner, replacing Firin. The transition is set to be formalized during the Executive Council’s weekly meeting.

Additionally, President Mohamud appointed two senior advisors: Ahmed Jama Mohamed Ilal as Senior Advisor for Democracy and Good Governance, and Abdisamad Mohamed Gallan as Senior Advisor for Federal Affairs.

Critics argue that these appointments could deepen tensions between the Federal Government and Puntland State, as the new Police Commissioner and advisors are seen as political rivals to Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni, who recently expressed readiness for open dialogue with the federal government.