Somalia orders merit-based overhaul of senior civil service appointments

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has ordered Somali government ministries and institutions to fully implement merit-based recruitment and appointments in the federal civil service.

Barre directed the Civil Service Commission to begin the first phase of reforms to departmental director positions on September 20, saying the posts are central to the management of government institutions and the implementation of public policies and plans.

The reform will be followed by changes to the appointment of directors general of government institutions, based on qualifications, experience, leadership and performance, the prime minister’s office said.

Barre said the reforms were aimed at creating a professional and accountable civil service capable of implementing government policies and delivering tangible results to the Somali people.

“We have established the legal and institutional foundations needed to reform and develop the civil service,” Barre said, adding that the government had approved laws, policies, regulations and institutional structures governing public administration.

The prime minister also ordered ministries and government agencies to implement approved institutional structures and fill departmental director positions through open competition.

Eligible civil servants are to be given equal opportunities to compete for the positions, while vacant government posts must also be filled through competitive procedures in accordance with federal laws and regulations.