Sunday, July 04, 2010
MOGADISHU (AFP) — Somalia's Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke said he has appointed Abukar Abdi Osman Mardadi, a relatively obscure member of parliament, as defence minister.
Mardadi replaces Abdalla Boss Ahmed, who was named industry minister in the reshuffle.
Yusuf Hasan Ibrahim Dheg was named minister for foreign affairs, replacing Ahmed Jama Jengeli, who was sacked.
"After seeing the need for more effective government, after seeing the agreement the government signed with Somalia's Sufi sect, the prime minister announced a reshuffled cabinet list including new members from Ahlu Sunna," government spokesman Abdulkadir Walayo told AFP.
The new cabinet has 39 members, just like the previous one. It includes three new members from the moderate Sufi sect Ahlu Sunna.
The premier is expected to send the new cabinet list to the parliament for approval in the coming days.
Source: AFP