Somalia’s Prime Minister appoints 26-member cabinet

Ex-deputy leader of Al-Shabab Mukhtar Robow appointed as Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Tuesday availed his list of 26-member cabinet.

The PM made the announcement at a ceremony for availing the new cabinet held at the presidential palace.

Barre said his list of ministers was selected based on their knowledge, integrity and expertise and after extensive consultations with the country’s leadership and the various segments of the society. “Our people are living through a difficult time due to insecurity and prolonged droughts,” he told the attendees. A competent government is imperative to rescue the country and the people from these difficult times.

Mukhtar Robow, a former deputy leader of Al-Shabaab militant group, has been appointed as the Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs. His appointment is seen by analysts as key in the government’s ideological war against the extremist group.

The new government also includes for the first time the Ministry for Environment and Climate Change which will be headed by Khadija Mohamed Almakhzoumi. The creation of this portfolio comes amid recurring and devastating droughts in the country.

Barre, who was appointed as PM by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on June 15, has asked the Parliament to approve the new government.