Hargeisa (SLpost) – “As Somaliland prepares for another cabinet reshuffle, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi faces a decision that goes beyond changing ministers. He has an opportunity to establish a different standard for how public institutions are led – one in which competence, experience, integrity, and measurable performance carry greater weight than political loyalty or personal connections,” says a new opinion article written by Somaliland businessman and public-affairs commentator Mohamed Ibrahim.
In the article, Ibrahim calls on the Somaliland president to prioritize professional competence, experience, and accountability as he considers changes to his cabinet.
The article, titled “Somaliland Needs a Merit-Based Public Service, Not Political Favoritism,” argues that cabinet appointments should be based primarily on a candidate’s qualifications and ability to deliver results rather than political loyalty, personal connections, or political considerations.
The author argues that the effectiveness of the government will increasingly be measured by its ability to improve public services, manage public resources, attract investment, and create opportunities for the country’s young population.
“Putting the right people in the right positions” should be a central principle of government appointments, the article argues, emphasizing that ministers responsible for technical portfolios should possess relevant education, professional experience, management skills, and a record of achievement.
The article also highlights the potential contribution of Somaliland’s diaspora, noting that professionals with experience in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere could bring valuable expertise to government. However, it cautions that overseas experience should not automatically qualify anyone for a ministerial position.
Instead, the author proposes that serious candidates should undergo a rigorous assessment before being appointed to senior government positions. Candidates could be asked about their professional achievements, understanding of the ministry they would lead, priorities for their first six months, and how they would measure their performance.
The article acknowledges that political considerations are an unavoidable part of government formation but argues that political trust and professional competence should not be viewed as mutually exclusive.
It further contends that Somaliland’s diplomatic achievements need to be matched by stronger domestic institutions capable of implementing policies and delivering public services.
The author concludes by urging the president to use future cabinet changes to establish a stronger culture of competence and accountability, arguing that the central question in government appointments should not be “who deserves a position?” but “who can do the job?”
Mohamed Ibrahim is a Somaliland businessman and public-affairs commentator based in Hargeisa. He holds an MBA and has a professional background in business, journalism, media, and public affairs. He is the founder and former Chief Editor of SomalilandPress.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT Somaliland Current
