New PM officially assumes office a day after parliamentary nod

Outgoing Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has today handed over office to his successor Hassan Ali Khaire in a ceremony attended by council of ministers.

Sharmarke who was also a candidate in the February Presidential elections thanked his cabinet for the ‘collaboration and hard work since I came into office two years ago.”

He called on the new prime minister to prioritise completion of the federalization process to ensure every part of the country is represented ahead of the 2020 universal vote.

“I urge you to consider putting the federalization top of your administration’s agenda. This will be instrumental in realizing the one person one vote election in 2020,” the outgoing PM said.

On his part, the new PM who was endorsed Wednesday by Parliament thanked his predecessor for his work noting ‘I will always need your advice, you have my respect and I urge you to continue serving this country either in official capacity or even outside government,” said Khaire.

Khaire called on all Somalis to take part in the drought response efforts to avert more suffering.

The new PM is now expected to name his new cabinet and present them to parliament for approval.