MOGADISHU, Somalia- Somalia's new Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khayre, took over office from his predecessor Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke in a ceremony held on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Sharmarke has congratulated the new PM assuming executive power and requested the Parliament and the Somali people to work with him to achieve promises set by President Mohamed Abdulahi Mohamed Farmajo to rebuild the nation. 

Several high-ranking officials, including the deputy speaker of the Parliament Abdiweli Sheikh Ibrahim Mudey have attended the handover ceremony, which took place at the state house, Villa Somalia in Mogadishu. 

The new PM Khayre thanked his predecessor for his efforts made by his outgoing Federal government and pledged to continue the path to drive out militant groups from the country and enforce security. 

"I am very pleased to take the office as the next Somali PM. I thank the former prime minister and his cabinet for their invaluable service during their term," Khayre said.

The new Prime Minister who was appointed in February 23 by Somali President Farmajo has been unanimously approved on Wednesday by the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu.

Khayre is expected to appoint his new cabinet ministers and take it to the Parliament for approval within 30-day deadline giving by the Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari.

GAROWEONLINE