Somalia: Six Lawmakers who Lost Parliamentary Membership Due to Senior Government Appointments

A number of lawmakers from Somalia’s 11th Federal Parliament have lost their parliamentary membership after being appointed to senior positions within the federal government of Somalia. While some of their seats have been filled, others remain vacant.

The MPs, who were appointed to new roles in various government agencies, include the following:

Mahad Mohamed Salad — Formerly holding HOP#147, Mahad lost his parliamentary seat after being appointed as the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe — Representing HOP#058 from Hirshabelle, Abdullahi vacated his parliamentary seat after being named as Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Sadak Omar Hassan alias (Sadak Joon) — Elected to seat HOP#248 from Galmudug, Sadak lost his position as an MP when appointed Deputy Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Mahad Abdirahman Adan — After winning seat HOP#172 in Baydhabo in 2022, Mahad relinquished his parliamentary membership upon accepting the role of Commander of the Custodial Corps.

5. Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow — Mustaf, who held seat HOP#049, stepped down after being appointed as Director of the Immigration and Nationality Agency of Somalia.

Hamza Abdi Barre — Hamza resigned from his parliamentary seat HOP#203 following his appointment as Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia in June 2022.

These changes demonstrate a trend where lawmakers transition from the legislative branch to influential government positions, reshaping Somalia’s leadership landscape and governance priorities. Some parliamentary seats remain unoccupied, highlighting the need for upcoming by-elections to fill the vacancies.