Ex-BBC journalist appointment government spokesperson in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia got a new spokesman after PM Roble appointed a former BBC journalist to the post as the mandate of the executive branch due to expire in less than 40 days.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble on Tuesday appointed former BBC journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu as the next government spokesperson in changes announced on the PM's official Twitter handle, in a move meant to centralize communication in the country.

"The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble has appointed Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim as the spokesperson of the Federal Government of Somalia," read the tweet from the PM, who came to office in September.

Prior to his appointment, Moalimuu was directly involved in fighting for the rights and freedoms of the press, which are often infringed in the federal government of Somalia. The government still has a bad record with regard to safeguarding the freedoms of the press.

Moalimuu will now be mandated to issue centralized information for the federal government in the next couple of months until the country goes to the elections. He's likely to continue with the same role should President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo successfully defend his seat in February.

Also, Mohamed Ibrahim Nur, a former university lecturer named as the permanent secretary of the prime minister's office. He will be responsible for the coordination of the country's activities from within the office of the Prime Minister who is in charge of the government.

GAROWE ONLINE