Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed appointed political newcomer Mohamed Hussein Roble as the country’s prime minister on Thursday, reported CGTN Africa.
The appointment was made nearly two months after the country’s parliament voted out former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. Khaire was removed by the parliament for failing to pave the way for fully democratic elections due before February 2021.
In a statement, the president’s office wished Roble “to take duties and tasks ahead with diligence.”
The statement said Roble was directed to form a new transitional government ahead of general elections in the Horn of Africa country.
Roble studied civil engineering and previously worked for the International Labour Organization.
In a short statement posted on social media, Somalia’s newly elected prime minister said he would work with all Somalis during the transition.
President Mohamed said he selected Roble to consolidate security ahead of elections, rebuild the armed forces, develop infrastructure and fight corruption in the country.
Roble’s appointment was announced hours after the president and five regional leaders reached agreement on a revised election model after days of talks in Mogadishu amid international pressure.
The new agreement calls for election preparations to begin November 1. Planners would determine dates in 2021 for choosing a parliament, whose members then would select the president.
It currently remains unclear what role the country’s independent electoral commission will play in the election, with the federal and state governments to appoint their own agencies to oversee their respective polls. The plan still needs to be approved by Somalia’s parliament.
Mohamed, widely known as Farmajo, is expected to seek a second four-year term. His current term ends on February 7.
Roble is expected to appear within several days for a confirmation hearing before Somalia’s parliament, whose members’ four-year terms expire December 27. If approved, Roble would have 30 days to pick cabinet members.
