Somalia: PM Sharmarke gives new faces portfolios

MOGADISHU, Somalia Jan 27, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has on Tuesday evening announced new cabinet lineup for the second time in two weeks, calling for parliamentary approval, Garowe Online reports.

Three women secured portfolios in Sharmarke’s cabinet as Education, Health and Women and Human Rights Development Ministers.

Abdisalan Omar Hadliye, former head of Central Bank who resigned over graft allegations in 2013 also appeared in the list as Foreign Affairs Minister.

Among the cabinet are two allies of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Al Jazeera Journalist Fahad Yasin who became Minister for Ports and Marine Transport and Interior Minister and former President of SIMAD University Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein.

Former Chairman of Puntland Chamber of Commerce and the recent Health Minister-designate Saed Hussein Eid was assigned to the Ministry of Animal Husbandry.

In a statement from his office, prior to the announcement he said he held robust consultations with President Mohamud, Parliament Speaker, MPs and Civil Society.

“As you know, over the last few days, the day-to-day tasks of the government came to standstill and we couldn’t remain in such challenging atmosphere,” said Sharmarke.”I hereby announce 20 ministers and in the coming hours I will release another list with the names of Deputy Ministers and State Ministers”.

On Jan 12, Sharmarke revealed 59-member lineup consisting of 25 ministers, 25 deputy ministers and 9 state ministers.

However, in less than a week the Prime Minister dissolved the cabinet as a result of stiff opposition from the parliament.

International community members whose financial support is key to the Mogadishu-based central government have long called for delivery and the realization of vision 2016.

GAROWE ONLINE