The nomination of a new Prime Minister by Somalia's President and the new Somali Parliamentary speaker's stated commitment to work with him demonstrates that the country has fresh leadership to tackle the many challenges it faces. Abdi Farah Shirdon, a businessman and political newcomer, was nominated as prime minister on October 6. Both he and the new Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari, have pledged to work closely with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud to move the long-troubled nation on the Horn of Africa forward.
Lacking a stable central government for more than 20 years, the nation has been torn by clan and political infighting, besieged by insurgents and terrorist activity, and disrupted by internal displacement caused by the fighting and a persistent drought. The new leadership appointments, however, suggest a new sense of unity.
Cabinet appointments are expected once Parliament confirms Shirdon’s nomination, and he has said he will form a competent, trustworthy government ready to work toward developing the country as it emerges from a four-year U.N.-backed transition plan.
The United States welcomes these developments and looks forward to the selection of a new cabinet and its presentation to Parliament for review and endorsement, in accordance with the country’s provisional Constitution. We are also encouraged by Speaker Jawari’s promise to support the new administration. The United States continues to stand with the Somali people as they stabilize and rebuild their country, and looks forward to hearing from their new leaders on how we can best work together in partnership for the benefit of Somalia and the region.
Lacking a stable central government for more than 20 years, the nation has been torn by clan and political infighting, besieged by insurgents and terrorist activity, and disrupted by internal displacement caused by the fighting and a persistent drought. The new leadership appointments, however, suggest a new sense of unity.
Cabinet appointments are expected once Parliament confirms Shirdon’s nomination, and he has said he will form a competent, trustworthy government ready to work toward developing the country as it emerges from a four-year U.N.-backed transition plan.
The United States welcomes these developments and looks forward to the selection of a new cabinet and its presentation to Parliament for review and endorsement, in accordance with the country’s provisional Constitution. We are also encouraged by Speaker Jawari’s promise to support the new administration. The United States continues to stand with the Somali people as they stabilize and rebuild their country, and looks forward to hearing from their new leaders on how we can best work together in partnership for the benefit of Somalia and the region.
