Mogadishu, 22 Jan 2014 (SDN) –Somalia’s Parliament has approved today the newly 55-member cabinet appointed by Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.
The 25 ministers, 25 assistants and the 5 State Ministers were introduced to the Parliament yesterday to receive confidence vote.
The Parliament Speaker Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari announced that 186 members of the parliament have approved the government. The Cabinet reveived 46 no confidence votes, while one member has not voted.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the approval, congratulating the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.
“I congratulate the Prime Minister and welcome and commend this responsible and democratic vote by parliament. This is an important step forward for Somalia, which everyone should welcome.” President Hassan said, adding, “The approval of a new Cabinet, which will represent Somalis from all parts of the country, was taken in the national interest and shows our people, as well as our international partners, that our state institutions are growing in maturity and responsibility.”
President Hassan told the new minister that it is important that the new government begin its work looking for the interest of the people.
“One of the most important tests of the government’s ongoing public finance management reform will be when it institutes tax collection, which is a major requirement for Somalia and a critical milestone on the road to full recovery and economic development. Parliament’s constructive role in reviewing, revising and approving the legislation that enacts all these reforms will be absolutely essential.” he added.
The new cabinet will be take oath in the next five days.
Source: Somalicurrent
