President Farmaajo appoints Hassan Ali Kheyre as the Prime Minister of the Federal government

Hassan Ali Kheyre is the new Prime Minister of the Federal government of Somalia. {Courtesy}

MOGADISHU—Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has appointed Hassan Ali Kheyre as the new Prime Minister of the Federal government, a statement by Villa Somalia said.

He made the announcement early Thursday morning, a day after he was inaugurated as the 9^th president of Somalia.

Observers said the President was swift in the appointment of the PM.

Mr. Kheyre is a Norwegian passport holder and has worked as the country director for the Soma Oil and Gas, a company that was charged by the UK anti-fraud agency for alleged corruption.

The Serious Fraud Office and the United Nations dropped the charges against Kheyre for lack of evidence.

Kheyre was also involved in the humanitarian ogernisations and has served as the Horn of Africa regional director for the Norwegian Refugee Agency (NRA).

Somali leaders have welcomed the new appointment. Farah Abdulkadir, the former minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs said the, “Farmajo has proved himself to the people as Prime Minister and will lead this country gracefully as the President.”

“New Dawn. Prime Minister Kheyre is a brilliant strategist, astute, articulate, humble and competent. Just what Somalia needs today,” Fatuma Dayib tweeted.

The Prime Minister designate said, “I am delighted to be picked and I vow to work with President Farmaajo in a transparent and smooth manner.”