Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)- Somalia’s Cabinet on Thursday approved the appointment of Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow as the new Director of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, replacing Ahmed Said Mohamed, who has led the agency for the past two years.

Dhuhulow, a sitting Member of the Federal Parliament, brings over 20 years of political experience to the role. He has previously held multiple ministerial positions, including serving as Minister of Information during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s first term.

The decision to appoint Dhuhulow, who was at times critical of the government, is widely seen as a political appointment aimed at balancing alliances within the administration.

The appointment was a major focus of the Cabinet’s weekly meeting, even as pressing issues such as the ongoing army conflict with Jubaland State continue to demand the government’s attention.

The new director is expected to oversee improvements in immigration services and citizenship processes, an area that has been pivotal in Somalia’s institutional reforms.