Hiiraan Online
Sunday February 19, 2017
Mogadishu (HOL) - Who will be the next Prime Minister of Somalia? That is the question at the forefront of millions of Somali’s minds. With the Presidential Inauguration just days away, many are keen to see who the President selects as his PM to get a better idea of how his administration will work.
Newly elected President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is tasked with appointing a Prime Minister who will, in turn, select a cabinet. Unlike most countries, a cabinet minister in Somalia does not have to be a sitting MP.
In Somalia, the Prime Ministerial position has been described as a revolving door. Past Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have had public spats with their PM’s which more often than not, lead to their dismissal.
President Farmajo knows this firsthand, he too was once a PM, and like many before and after him, he too was forcibly removed from office, although with much more fanfare. Thus, it can be said that nobody in President Farrago’s inner circle knows the weight of this decision better than himself.
Hiiraan Online spoke with President Farmajo about his pick for the PM. He told us that a final decision has yet to be reached and for that reason, he declined to mention any specific names, however, he did offer some insight as to the type of qualities the prospective PM should have.
"The Prime Minister should be someone who is on the forefront of battling tribalism and corruption." President Farmajo told HOL's Ahmed Gure, "the Prime Minister should have the vision to appoint a good cabinet that will work for the people". He added that justice will be the hallmark of his administration saying "justice is important for everything we are trying to accomplish."
President Farmajo also told HOL that he is very aware of the people's high expectations and hope for his new government. He said he will work tirelessly not to disappoint the Somali people.