Hamza Abdi Barre endorsed by parliament as new PM of Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali parliament has formally endorsed Hamza Abdi Barre as the new Prime Minister, just a fortnight after the inauguration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who becomes the 10th leader of the country.

Mohamud thanked the MPs for overwhelmingly approving the PM's appointment on Saturday and promised a new change in Somalia which is still struggling with instability for the last three decades.

During Saturday's session, Hamze was approved by 220 MPs, who confirmed him as the 21st Prime Minister of the federal government of Somalia. He is set to assume power any moment from now having been endorsed.

Speaking to the parliamentarians before the vote, Barre said he will prioritize political stability, security, reconciliation, public service, and dialogue with Somaliland among other tasks. He urged help for those affected by droughts; and vowed to form a ‘quality’ Cabinet.

"We shall form a capable government that pursues our Nation's developmental & humanitarian priorities reflecting our people’s needs," said Barre.

He now succeeds Mohamed Hissein Roble, a man who delivered elections in the country, despite challenges mostly engineered by the former administration under the leadership of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo, who was defeated last month in the election.

Barre will now be tasked with the stabilization of the country by concentrating on matters of security and economic development, which have new the undoing of the country for the last three decades. Somalia's central government collapsed as a state in 1991 after the ouster of Siad Barre.

After the appointment of Hamza Abdi Barre, several stakeholders called and backed the decision with most people within the system saying he's the most suitable candidate to reconcile the country after chaotic elections which took place a month ago.

GAROWE ONLINE