President Said Abdullahi Deni Inaugurates New Puntland Cabinet During Official Swearing In Ceremony In Garowe

President Said Abdullahi Deni inaugurates the new Puntland cabinet, appointing key ministers for interior, finance, and environment to lead the 2026 agenda.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 11:22 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Horseed Media

Formal Inauguration Of Regional Executive Authority

The administrative landscape of Puntland underwent a formal transition as President Said Abdullahi Deni led the swearing in of his new cabinet members within the Presidential Palace in Garowe. This ceremony served as the official commencement of duties for the executive team, establishing the leadership structure intended to guide the region through its current political cycle. Justice Said Ahmed Farah of the Puntland Supreme Court administered the oath of office, a procedural necessity that underscores the constitutional framework governing the appointment of regional ministers and the handover of departmental responsibilities.

Strategic Appointments Across Key Portfolios

The new cabinet features a diverse array of leadership assignments aimed at stabilizing core government functions, including the appointment of Abdirashid Barkhad Warsame to lead the Ministry of Justice and Religious Affairs. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior, Federalism and Democracy will be overseen by Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab, while Yusuf Ahmed Mahmoud, also known as Barre Fatah, assumes the role of Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Relations. These specific designations indicate a focus on internal security and the management of foreign partnerships, which remain critical to Puntland’s role within the broader Somali federal structure.

Addressing Environmental And Infrastructure Challenges

Recognizing the region's vulnerability to ecological shifts, the administration has appointed Aydaruus Ahmed Farah as the Minister of Environment, Pasture and Climate Change. This role is expected to work in tandem with the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management, now led by Abdinasir Yusuf Haji Hirsi, to coordinate regional responses to climate related stressors. On the infrastructure front, Abdifatah Ugaas Yasin has been tasked with managing the Ministry of Aviation and Airports, a sector vital for maintaining Puntland’s connectivity and logistical capabilities in the Horn of Africa.